Passengers across Europe can look forward to easier access to Gibraltar, after Spain launched its first passenger flights to the Rock at the weekend.
As one plane landed in Gibraltar, another British flight touched down in Madrid, prompting celebrations from officials after decades of frosty relationships.
General Francisco Franco closed the border between Spain and Gibraltar in 1969 and all flights between the two states were cancelled ten years later.
But Bernardino Leon, the junior foreign minister, is confident that travellers across Europe will now reap the benefits of the improved cordiality.
“This is extremely important. It opens possibilities for the citizens of this area. It’s an agreement in which everyone wins,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by Europe minister Geoff Hoon, who claimed that the weekend’s news represented “a tangible sign of progress”.
Spain has not surrendered its claims to Gibraltar, but officials have stressed that they are willing to address various practical issues for the good of citizens in Gibraltar and elsewhere in the region.
Iberia intends to run a daily service between Madrid and Gibraltar and British Airways also expects to run the route from May 2007.
