San Javier Air Base

BELOVED airport and military base San Javier Airport is a military air base and former civilian passenger airport located in the hamlet of San Javier, Santiago de la Ribera, on the coast of the southeast of Murcia. It is owned by the Spanish Air and Space Force.

It was replaced by the new Region de Murcia International Airport when it opened in 2019. Everyone remembers this airport fondly, as you walked into San Javier Airport you could see through to the departure gates at the flights landing and taking off. It had a family­run feel to it as everyone knew each other from the National Police to the airline check­in crew.

The airport was a military air base until 3pm and then a passenger airport from 3pm until 11pm when it returned to its military duties at that time. Passengers and staff alike awaiting the first flight of the day would often be treated with an air display as the military aircraft circled and created hearts in the sky most days.

That’s not to say the sharing of this airport was always idyllic as if a flight was delayed and could not make it before the cut­off at 11pm it would then be diverted to Al­ icante Airport.

The San Javier Air Base, Academia General Del Aire (General Air Academy) was founded in 1926 and is the teaching centre of the Spanish Air Force and headquarters of the famous Patrulla Aguila (Eagle Patrol). Since its creation, more than 6,500 students have passed through this military training centre.

It is a fundamental part of San Javier and the town and neighbouring towns come alive when they open their doors to visitors and put on magnificent air displays attracting tourists and aficionados from all over.