“Murcia (Alicante)”

[simbad3000]

bmibaby are adverising their service to Murcia as “Murcia (Alicante)”. Is Murcia actually an IATA designated Alicante airport or have they come up with this themselves. Note they are NOT saying “Alicante Murcia” à la “Frankfurt Hahn”, etc. If Murcia does have official Alicante status, why have Buzz never marketed it as such for their flights?

[brabazon]

No, it's not defined as an Alicante Airport by IATA, maybe bmi-baby wished to go to ALC (to match go), but couldn't get in so went for the next nearest airport. Perhaps it should be called Murcia Costa Blanca or something like that so people know which resorts it's near.

[euroboy]

I expect they are trying to tempt the middle income families to the Costa Blanca and BENIDORM. ALC tends to be a bit "common" for the scheduled AGP,and PMI paxs. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ 25 January 2002: Message edited by: euroboy ]</p>

[tech...again]

I drove between the 2 not long ago and it took at least 2 hours...

We'll be having 'London Glasgow' next...!

<img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[EGGW]

Used to go to Murcia a few years back, small little airport, just to the south of ALC. Also known as San Javier. . .For people owning or going to properties nearer Murcia, would be a good option. But to advertise it as Alicante, like Ryanair does with Frankfurt etc.. is a bit rich.

[PakoSpain]

Just to clear things, LEAL is Alicante Airport;. .Murcia is a little bit south, and the airport is in fact a military air base named San Javier,LELC, opened to commercial fligts.. .Probably bmibaby is trying to profit the magnificent Hyatt La Manga resort golf club as an interesting destination for Brittish people. .Regards. .Pako

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

Yes, La Manga resort is about ten minutes' drive away. The airport is on the shore of an inland lagoon, the "Mar Menor." It's popular for sailing/windsurfing. The Spanish Air Force aerobatic team (Los Diablos?) were based there, perhaps still are. Final memory was being eaten alive by Mosquitoes in the terminal, waiting for the evening departure back home!. .05/23 7540' ILS on 05.

[Jepp]

euroboy

I/we are a so called middle income family ie large house,land,new X5, AND we go to BENIDORM (absolutely adore the place, always have, always will. . .Does the fact that I fly there privately in a TB 20 still make me common ? <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[moleslayer]

You'll probably find one of 'da management'has a 'little place in the sun' there,and pops down every now & then to knock a few balls around :)

[timmcat]

dont knock it.. if i can get some cheapies there in August for the Timmcat clans annual sojourn, I'll sure be using it.. what's a 90 min drive?

[IntheNavy]

Yes, the Murcia-San Javier Air Force Base is the site of the Spanish Air Force Academy and also the site of the Patrulla Aguila, the spanish Military Aerobatic team.. .Is only open for commercial flights in two small windows, one in the moorning and other in the evening.You have to check the AIP.. .Since a lot of time they are tryng to open more time to the civil operation without succes.. .If you want to go to Benidorm or Alicante you may land in Alicante or even in a short strip sited 2 miles to the North of the airport name is Muchamiel, near the village with the same name.Is near 27/09 with a frek.123.45 and 1000metres long,tarmac.

[newswatcher]

Inthenavy,

The restrictions have been relaxed to accommodate seasonal traffic, particularly in the summer. The airport has its own website.

<a href="http://www.aena.es/ae/mjv/Aairport/Index.html" target="_blank">http://www.aena.es/ae/mjv/Aairport/Index.html</A>

I guess there will also be interest from the large number of Brits visiting the expanding resort of Torrevieja, which is about 22 kms from Murcia airport, but nearly 50kms from Alicante.