It's a great unknown, even for Canarians. The day the economic capital of the Canary Islands wants to disconnect from Las Palmas, it only needs to pave a couple of 1.000 meters more of runway and add a series of prefabricated modules as a terminal for charter services, which was the initial idea. Following the efforts of the AV-PP and CC governing group, Maspalomas Aerodrome has taken off on digital maps since this May and is renewing its role in the touristic south of Gran Canaria. This is important for the people of the south of the island, as a reminder of where the Canary Islands' economy is being cooked up: 7 out of every 10 euros in the Canary Islands move in the south of Gran Canaria.
Since May, Maspalomas Aerodrome (ICAO: GCLB) has been officially listed on the main digital air navigation portals, consolidating its position as an airspace fully integrated into Gran Canaria's infrastructure. Although it has been operating for decades, its formal inclusion on specialized platforms marks a symbolic milestone for this enclave, which has witnessed the development of tourism in the south of the island since the 70s.
Located in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, between the sea and the Maspalomas racing circuit, this aerodrome has historically been a discreet but essential infrastructure. Located on land belonging to the County of Vega Grande de Guadalupe, its origin dates back to 1969, when the Royal Aeroclub of Gran Canaria signed a 50-year surface agreement. Its inauguration on June 13, 1970, marked the opening of a gateway to heaven from the heart of the nascent Canarian tourism scene.
With an 800-meter paved runway, hangars, its own radio frequency, and refueling services, Maspalomas Aerodrome is today a multipurpose asset: it hosts ultralight, helicopter, parachute, and fixed-wing aircraft operations, and is home to a flight school. Furthermore, the Canary Islands Government uses it as a base for aerial firefighting operations, which adds a significant public service dimension.
Its warm, dry climate, with 259 clear days per year, makes it an ideal location for pilot training and air recreation. Without ATC service, but integrated into the Gran Canaria CTR, Maspalomas Aerodrome operates as an uncontrolled aerodrome, facilitating light and recreational operations that could not be carried out with the same flexibility at Gando.
The airfield also houses a piece of aviation history: the imposing Douglas DC-7, on display at its facilities. This historic aircraft, donated by Spantax in 1979, was transported from Gando in a complex maritime maneuver that included engine dismantling and the use of floats. Its arrival in the south was a memorable event, and today it remains a visible icon of commercial aviation's romantic past.
With its renewed visibility on digital maps and stable operations, Maspalomas Aerodrome is establishing itself as a vibrant space of aviation activity, history, and future prospects. It's no longer just a spot reserved for flight enthusiasts, but a part of the tourism and logistics ecosystem in southern Gran Canaria, which continues to find new ways to take flight.
