La Palma Airport (GCLA)

General aviation is accommodated at GCLA, though the airport is not specifically tailored for small aircraft. Handling is mandatory, with Iberia providing crew transport for about €10 each way; additional charges may occur for services such as flight rescheduling or escorting to the AENA office. Example: total fees for a week, mainly parking, about €180. Example: total fees for a short stay about €30. Parking requires advance arrangement, and there is no tiedown equipment available; strong winds are common, so securing aircraft may require improvisation.

Startup clearance is required for all departures, including VFR flights; departures before the filed flight plan time are not permitted. Delays can occur if departure times are changed through airport operations rather than directly via your own flight planning system. Access between the terminal and aircraft involves multiple security checks and can be time-consuming, sometimes taking over an hour.

No Avgas is available at GCLA. Staff are described as friendly and helpful. Payment of fees takes place at the AENA offices in the terminal. The island’s road network is slow due to winding routes; travel from the airport to destinations such as Santa Cruz can take several hours by car despite short distances.

Procedures vary; see AIP/NOTAM.