The vital airstrip
That airstrip is vital to the civil economy of the Rock. Across it stream the summer flocks of tourists, and also those who find Gib the ideal place for a winter change of scene—perhaps combined with a week in Africa. One of the most convenient 'night- fares' in the world is charged. On BUA you can leave London in the afternoon and arrive in time for dinner—still at the night rate of 06.90. Another idea to increase the flights to Gib is the notion of making it more of a conference centre for business people.
The airstrip could also resolve the argu- ments with Spain. Both Spain and the Rock need the money brought by visitors. As larger jets come into service, runway exten- sions are required. On the Costa del Sol, there. is little room to expand Malaga as it is surrounded by hills. The most economical means of bringing in the sunseekers would be to extend the Gib airstrip over the Span- ish frontier—to the benefit of the Rock and Spain. Then the tourist bonanza could con- tinue with a greater confidence.
As the Gib business executive declared striding through his four-room apartment: 'This costs me only £5 per month. My income tax is £70, each year. And there's always room for improvement.'
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