In the past few years there has been a vast increase in the volume of commuters using this airport; Murcia saw a 22 percent increase in the number of passengers passing through the airport between 2006 and 2007, these were primarily passengers from the UK. However the airport has taken all the necessary measures to accommodate this influx of travelers. Property owners and holiday makers alike are now enjoying the convenience that Murcia Airport offers.
The Airport is located just outside of Murcia City, approximately a 10 minute drive, making any additions for on going expansion possible. In 2006 the recent temporary modernisations and expansions were finished adding over 1000 square meters to the arrivals area, the number of check-in desks was doubled, and two new baggage claim carrousels were added as well as offices for four new car hire companies.
After two million passengers traveled though Murcia San Javier airport last year a permanent expansion of the terminal was considered vital. In July of this year the work began. The €266 million Euro development is due to be completed in 2010 and will make Murcia airport the most suitable and convenient for anyone visiting La Manga.
Although a hire car is not essential around La Manga Club it can offer much more freedom than having to use busses and Taxis during your stay, not to mention a hire car can let you explore local Spanish towns and villages and Murcia. See our guide on "The Top 5 Places to Visit Around Murcia". Many low cost airlines are now flying to Murcia San Javier airport Including Ryan Air, Easy Jet, My Travel Lite, Monarch, BMI baby and jet2. Ryan Air alone provides around five flights a day to Murcia from Stanstead and other regional airports.
Murcia airport still boast extremely easy access and a speedy service though the complex. The car collection point is still within a short walk from the terminus, and most of the larger car hire companies have offices on site at Murcia airport.
Murcia airport is located so conveniently close to La Manga that it has to be a first choice to anyone on holiday or staying at their property on the resort. Excellent transport links make hiring a car here a really sensible option. Leaving Murcia the A-30 is a quick and direct route on a good road that will take you to the La Manga resort.
When it comes to urban sprawl and development the Costa Calida compared to the Costa Blanca or Costa Almeria is relatively untouched, but where building has taken place great consideration has gone into the planning ensuring the resorts have been constructed in harmony with the natural features of the area. The attractive woodlands, golden beaches and crystal blue green seas, have all been conserved to maintain the original alluring charm of the area. The Calblanque nation park remains one of the least disturbed areas of conservation land, and it will stay protected there for future generations to enjoy. Recently The World Health Organisation decreed the Murcia Province the cleanest in Spain.
It is well worth considering this trip by hire car as you can take in the outstanding natural beauty of the Costa Calida at your own pace. Sample the scenic twisting coastal roads, and reach towns and villages of the region which might otherwise have been missed.
At only 30 Kilometers away from the La Manga resort it is a perfect destination for holiday makers and property owners alike to fly into.
Many of the low cost airlines now fly into Murcia, from a huge range of regional airports. See below for a list of airlines that currently fly to Murcia.
Ryanair Monarch BMI Baby Jet 2 My travel Lite Flybe Easyjet British Airways
Ryan Air appears to be the biggest operator flying to Murcia at the moment with roughly 5 Flights a day originating in the UK. They operate from many regional airports so be sure to shop around for a bargain. The price of these budget flights varies wildly. If you can fly outside of peak times or be organized enough to book your holiday flights a long time in advance huge savings can be made.
Alternatively look out for sale weekends when some of these airlines cut their fares, certain destinations are dramatically reduced in price.
These new airlines offer basic no frills flights that greatly reduce the cost to the holiday maker, but be prepared that they may not include in-flight drinks or meals.
The flight time form the UK to Murcia Airport is approximately 2 and hours depending on which airport you fly from. Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time; dont forget to change your watches and phones!
With Murcia Airport remaining relatively small concerns about large check-in queues and worries about delayed flights or lost baggage can be left at home. Flights arent forced to conform to strict take off windows such as in bigger airports, because there are far less flights coming and going. Missing these slots and having to wait for another is more often than not the cause of delayed flights.
Having said this it is always essential to make sure you have appropriate holiday insurance in place that will cover you should anything be lost. Legal and General have recently calculated that the luggage and its contents for a family of four traveling abroad for a week long holiday on average amounts to over GBP3,000 pounds
As so many competitive airlines are now flying to Murcia the choice is very much up to you the customer. Closer and more suitable than Alicante, Murcia is the better option when staying at the La Manga Resort.
Once you arrive the car hire offices are within an olives toss from the main terminal, and hiring a car in the Murcia region will allow you visit the local towns, villages and local beauty spots that have made this area of Spain so unique and appealing.