Gibraltar was in full ceremonial mode when Wizz Air launched its new service from Luton Airport.
The flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute provided by the Gibraltar Airport Fire and Rescue Service, and passengers were greeted by the Gibraltar Re-enactment Society and Gibraltar Sea Scouts. Further adding to the celebrations, arriving and departing passengers were presented with gifts by a team from the Gibraltar Tourist Board.
Operating twice-weekly on Fridays and Mondays, the new service is due to continue on a year-round basis.
Among those welcoming passengers was minister for business, tourism, transport and the port Vijay Daryanani, accompanied by representatives of Gibraltar International Airport and the Gibraltar Tourist Board.
“I was delighted to welcome a new airline to Gibraltar and extra capacity for the north London market,” said the minister. “Wizz Air UK is expanding quickly and I have no doubt that they will become long-term partners for Gibraltar. I negotiated personally with the airline to attract them to the Rock.
“Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is committed to attracting an expansion of air services. I will continue to work hard at this and make sure that we have more airlines operating out of the airport than ever before.”
Added Wizz Air UK managing director Owain Jones, “With the launch of our affordable flights to Gibraltar today, we are offering passengers yet another exciting travel opportunity, this time to the Mediterranean peninsula of Gibraltar. A truly unique destination, Gibraltar offers travellers a fascinating blend of history and culture, spectacular views from the top of The Rock and, of course, a chance to see its famous Barbary Macaques.
“As Gibraltar remains on the travel corridor list, meaning passengers arriving into England from Gibraltar don’t have to self-isolate on return, now is the perfect time to book a trip onboard our young, green and ultra-efficient Airbus aircraft fleet.”
Rapid COVID-19 Testing Service at Airport
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed details of the soft launch of a COVID-19 testing service based at Gibraltar International Airport. The service will provide a rapid test for all travellers using the airport (both arrivals and departures), with the result available within one hour.
It is a private service commissioned by the government and Gibraltar Health Authority “to assist travellers wanting a quick way of assessing their risk to relatives or fellow passengers”. The provider charges £50 for the test and results will be sent by SMS to the customer. An electronic certificate will also be supplied.
According to the government, “This service uses a rapid antigen test and is therefore not as accurate as the PCR test available at the MidTown drive-through facility. Where a test is positive, local customers will be encouraged to book a more accurate PCR test by calling 111 in order to confirm the positive result. People who wish to fly should therefore test themselves at least 24 if not 48 hours before flying.”
For up-to-date information about airline services at Gibraltar International Airport, click here.