Airport San Sebastián (LESO) IFR
Hondarribia, Euskadi, Spain 🇪🇸
3.0 ∅ rating
Runways
1 RWY, 1591m/5219ft 1 Runway, longest: 1591m/5219ft (paved)
What other pilots say about LESO
PPR and handling mandatory.
First, be aware of the fact that you have to manually push/pull your aircraft into a parking position from the GA stop field. It's not far, but it's helpful if you are at least two.
I used South Europe Ground Services, which seems to be what used to be Iberia handling. eascicops@southeu.com . Following the guidelines from the Spanish Aeroclub, I asked for "Servicio de acompañamiento en plataforma". They confirmed quite quickly but did never acknowledge my message regarding the departure.
When we arrived, nobody actually bothered to turn up, so we just walked out of the airport. (didn't need customs). Maybe because of that, on departure, I was charged a grand total of EUR 8.87 for the handling (DA40). Needless to say, I didn't inquire any further on hearing the price and left.
Be sure to have your handlers phone number so that you can call them to pick you up in the terminal. Also, ensure you have more time than usual. First, they take you to the airport admin for the parking and landing fees (About EUR 100 for DA40 for landing and 4 nights parking). Then you have to fill in ID numbers at a security stop, Then you have to go pay the handler separately. The South Europe GS office is very close to the GA parking, then they'll drop you off there.
On departure, we had a very nice guy from South Europe helping us, his English was good, and he's a paraglider pilot that had just started to take a few lessons in a Tecnam P92 at a nearby airfield (some UL field but I couldn't find anything on any map ..), so he was definitely GA friendly.
There are rental cars, although for San Sebastian itself, parking seems to be a hassle. We took a bus, line E21, from just outside the terminal for EUR 5.80. The app Citymapper for public transport is very helpful for times (not just there but a great many places worldwide). Tickets can be bought (cash only I think it was) on the bus.
For the return from San Sebastian, we got a transfer set up via booking which was EUR 70 and took about 25 minutes from San Sebastian.
LESO requires PPR due to limited GA parking, typically 6–16 stands, with reservation via operacionesEAS@aena.es or eascicops@iberia.es; phone contacts include +34 943 668 524 and +34 943 668 504. Handling is mandatory for most flights, now provided by South Europe Ground Services at a relatively low cost, but other handlers are significantly more expensive. For some intra-Schengen flights from airfields with security control and MTOW under 3t, handling may not be required. Procedures require engine shutdown on a marked area before manually towing the aircraft to the parking stand; no towing service is provided. Startup must also occur from the designated area after repositioning by hand.
Fees for landing, parking, and mandatory handling combined typically range from about €60 to €110 for two nights or three days. Example: total charges for landing, two nights parking, and handling about €110. Additional minor fees may apply (e.g., ATC fee €4, met service fee €1). Handling by other firms can be much higher. For extra-Schengen arrivals or departures, handling is always required and more expensive; one example lists a minimum charge of about €140 plus minibus transfer if used.
Avgas is available via AirBP or SLCA with payment by card; fuel delivery is by truck at the aircraft. No hangar space is available for GA. Tie-downs are not mentioned; parking is limited and must be reserved in advance.
Ground transport options include taxis (about €50 to San Sebastian), bus (approx. 30 minutes), and car hire from several on-field agencies. Hondarribia town center is within easy walking distance (7–15 minutes), offering accommodation and restaurants.
Airport staff are generally friendly but English proficiency varies; Spanish or French may be helpful for smoother communication. Administrative procedures can be bureaucratic, requiring form completion and payment in the terminal (often on the first floor). Security staff may have limited English skills.
The approach over the bay is scenic but the apron is narrow with little space; weather can be challenging with fog or rain due to local geography. IFR procedures are available with VOR/DME approaches; see AIP/NOTAM for details.
LESO offers a picturesque destination suitable for non-commercial GA flights with advance planning for parking and handling arrangements.
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