John Lennon and Yoko Ono are just two of the countless tourists visiting Gibraltar over the years who have stopped for a photo on the Rock’s unusual runway. Unusual because, until recently, crossing the runway was the only way for people to enter Gibraltar – on foot or by vehicle.
Last year, the government inaugurated the new Kingsway tunnel under the runway, which has radically improved traffic flow and is the only regular access point for cars and motorcycles, but pedestrians can still use the shorter runway route into town.
Earlier this month, the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses contacted Google to protest that its Maps app was directing pedestrians to walk through Kingsway Tunnel, rather than across the airport runway.
According to the federation, Gibraltar businesses – especially in the Ocean Village area – were concerned that pedestrians following Google Maps’ directions would have to walk 40 minutes (2.8 kilometres) to reach Ocean Village from the frontier, rather than the traffic-free 15-minute (one-kilometre) walk across the runway. The “error” is now reported to have been fixed.
In the meantime, the airport’s new website has published a special feature on the runway, noting, “It is one of the many unusual tourist attractions of Gibraltar. Visitors are often surprised that they are walking across the runway they had just landed on only minutes before.
“Those of a certain age (or musical persuasion) might want a similar photo to the legendary John Lennon and Yoko Ono wedding photo.”
While noting that the spot near air traffic control is “an epic selfie/photo opportunity”, the airport has also warned tourists to remember that the area is an active runway.
To help ensure people cross the runway safely, RAF Gibraltar has provided the following guidance:
- Please comply with all directions given by police officers (have a chat with them if you are unsure about directions). Our police officers like helping and meeting visitors to Gibraltar and know most hotels and attractions.
- Stay in lane.
- We know it is the best spot for photos, but please don’t stay too long on the runway. After all, a plane is likely to be landing or taking off soon.
- Check your pockets! Don’t let your valuables fall out in the wind. Close your pockets if you can. Please do not drop litter – litter entering aircraft engines can cause serious damage.
- Please keep an eye on small children and keep pets under control.
- If the lights turn red as you approach the runway, and you are asked to stop, please wait at the barrier. Get a front row view and catch that epic video of a plane landing.
The Gibraltar Civil Status and Registration Office where John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married in 1969 was relocated to a new setting in December.