Melilla Airport

Melilla Airport
Aeropuerto de Melilla
IATA: MLN – ICAO: GEML
Summary
Airport type Public
Operator Aena
Serves Melilla
Location Melilla, Spain
Elevation AMSL 48 m / 156 ft
Coordinates 35°16′47″N 02°57′23″W / 35.27972°N 2.95639°W / 35.27972; -2.95639
Website http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Melilla/es/Inicio.html
Map
MLN

Location of airport in Spain

Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
15/33 1,428 4,685 Asphalt
Statistics (2011)
total number of passengers handled 286,761
total # of flights 9,119
cargo traffic 265.9 tonnes

Melilla Airport is an airport located in Melilla, an enclave of Spain in Africa. The airport is located about 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of the city, near the border with Morocco. Between 1931 and 1967 Melilla was served by the Tauima Aerodrome (now the Nador International Airport), even when Morocco had gained its independence in 1956. This Spanish controlled airport did not open until 1969.

The airport does not handle large jets, but following the extension of the runway, the airlines serving the airport also use medium size jets airplanes (Airbus A320 and Boeing 737), regional jets and turboprop airliners.

History

In the 1920s several military aerodromes were built in area for the Air Arm of the Spanish Army:

Following the conflict between Spain and Morocco, a new military airfield was built near Cabrerizas Altas. This airport had a simple 300 m (984 ft) landing area. As tension settled and Spain was able to re-establish land around Melilla, this airport was relocated again further south of city.[2]

The new airport, Tauima Aerodrome, was opened for civilian flights 1931 and used also by the military.[3] The El Atalayón hydroplane air station (now site of oyster farm) in the Mar Chica was operational in the 1930s to provide additional air travel options using Dornier Do J seaplanes. In 1956 the end of the Spanish protectorate over northern Morocco placed the airport outside of control from Spain, although some investment from Spain was done in the aerodrome until 1958. Limited access to the airport was given to Melilla by secured bus until 1967. The Tauima aerodrome later became Nador International Airport.

In 1969, the current airport was opened within Melilla's borders and was strictly a civilian facility.

Airlines and destinations

The airlines serving the airport are regional carriers connecting to Spain to the north. The airport is also a general aviation airfield and handles private small aircraft. There are no flights directed to airports in Morocco.

AirlinesDestinations
Air EuropaMálaga
Iberia
operated by Air Nostrum		Almería, Granada, Madrid, Málaga
Seasonal: Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca
Melilla AirlinesMálaga

In the past Melilla was also served by Spantax from 1969-1981, Aviaco from 1981-1992 and Binter Mediterraneo from 1992-2001.

Ground Transportation

Passengers can get to and from the airport by car or taxi. ML-204 is the main road accessing the airport and connects to the city. ML-300 provides access to areas outside of the city.

Incidents and accidents

See also

References

  1. ↑ EAD Basic
  2. ↑ http://www.airports-worldwide.com/spain/melilla_spain.htm
  3. ↑ Melilla Airport. History
  4. ↑ ASN Aircraft accident description British Aerospace BAe-146-100 EC-GEO - Boumahfouda
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