El Hierro Airport
Exploring El Hierro AirportThe first aeronautical event of any kind which occurred on El Hierro occurred in December 1955 when a helicopter was called for a search and rescue operation and eventually had to airlift a sick person from the island.
A feasibility study for an airport began in 1962. Because of the geography of El Hierro the areas which could be selected as a location were limited. Eventually Llan de los Cangrejos, which is on the coast to the north east of the island and close to the capital Valverde, was chosen.
Work commence on runway 16-34, the apron and passenger terminal in 1968. A transmitter station was built in 1972 and the airport was opened to national domestic passenger and cargo traffic on 12th December that year.
Radio electric facilities were installed and the runway was extended in the mid 1970's and in 1990 a new control tower was built and the passenger terminal was renovated. It was during 1991 and 1992 that the runway was again extended and the current passenger terminal built.
Because there are no public transport facilities at El Hierro it is important that you arrange to rent a car from one of the car hire companies based on the island. It is preferable to organize to rent a car prior to your trip as this will ensure that a vehicle is available and waiting for you on arrival.
