Gibraltar International Airport
Gibraltar International Airport, previously known as North Front Airport, is the civilian airport that serves the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. The runway and aerodrome is owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as RAF Gibraltar. Civilian operators use the civilian-operated terminal. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) hold the contract for provision of air navigation services at the airport.
New passenger terminal, with Rock of Gibraltar behind it
A bulldozer and steamroller being used during the construction of a new aerodrome on Gibraltar, November 1941
Winston Churchill Avenue crossing the runway with the rock in the background
Runway overview
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft". Runways may be a human-made surface or a natural surface. Runways, taxiways and ramps, are sometimes referred to as "tarmac", though very few runways are built using tarmac. Takeoff and landing areas defined on the surface of water for seaplanes are generally referred to as waterways. Runway lengths are now commonly given in meters worldwide, except in North America where feet are commonly used.
Runway 13R at Palm Springs International Airport
Runway 34 at Nagoya Airfield
An MD-11 at one end of a runway
Triangular runway pattern at Armitage Field, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake