Girona Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
History, Facts and Overview

(Girona, Catalonia, Spain)

Although a number of flying clubs had existed in the Girona area for many years, it was not until the late 1950s that it was deemed necessary to build a local airport. Eventually a suitable site was discovered on the southern side of Girona and in 1965, Costa Brava Airport was born, complete with a terminal building and runway measuring around 2,200 metres / 7,220 feet. At this stage it was officially named the Girona Costa Brava Airport (GRO) and soon began serving passenger flights.

In the late 1960s, the runway was made longer, parking facilities improved and cargo traffic actively encouraged. It was at this stage that, due to continuing high levels of passengers, that Girona Costa Brava Airport commissioned a new passenger terminal and further enhancements.


The early 1980s saw passenger levels peak at over 800,000, steadily dropping in the 1990s and then soaring to over three million, thanks to the introduction of budget airlines, such as Ryanair, and a growth in the local tourism industry.

Facilities at Girona Costa Brava Airport include a range of gift shops, with confectionary for sale at Areas, books at Divers, and an array of general merchandise at the outlet of Aldeasa. An ATM, a post box, children's play area, tourist information desk and a large meeting room can also be found onsite, along with the Medas self-service restaurant, Ready coffee shop and the Café-Café, which is located within the check-in lobby and known for its freshly baked cakes.