Don Quijote Airport is the result of an initiative arisen in Spain in 1997. In those days, a study was developed concluding the convenience for the regional economy of building a cargo airdrome which could issue a quick departure, by airway, of perishable products from the South of the country, placing them in a competitive position in the markets all over Central Europe. In addition to the passengers and cargo terminals, there will also be a specific terminal for private aviation, an heliport, a logistic and industrial area, an aircrafts maintenance zone and a large area for long-term airplanes park (unique in Europe at present). The main problem of Ciudad Real Airport, compared to other airports located in small cities which have been able to attract superior traffics to half a million of travellers per year, is the little local demand that could arise from the province. The demographic density of the region is of 22 inhab/km2, much inferior to the Spanish average (79 inhab/km2). This fact, along with the low tourist appeal of the zone will reduce passenger demand. The international flights market can indeed represent an opportunity for the area, employing the high speed line as a complementary transport and involving low cost airlines. The freight traffic in Don Quijote Airport is expected to be similar to the one in Vitoria International Airport (60.000 tonnes/year). That is a very optimistic prevision taking into account that Vitoria Airport is currently the third most important airport in Spain concerning freight tonnes after Madrid and Barcelona. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.
Abstract