Málaga Airport Exceeds 100,000 Daily Passengers and Connects with 42 Countries

A Small City Within Málaga

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport has reached dimensions comparable to those of a small city. It handles more than 100,000 passengers a day during the busiest periods of the summer, with a record of approximately 107,000 travellers in a single day.

The figure helps illustrate the scale of activity at the airport. In approximately two days, as many travellers pass through the terminal as there are residents in Marbella, while a particularly busy day can approach the population of Mijas.

The airport has an estimated combined capacity of 9,800 passengers per hour. However, its operation depends on how traffic is distributed between check-in, security, passport control, boarding and baggage reclaim.

Connections with 42 Countries

The international dimension is one of the airport’s main characteristics. During the summer season, it was connected with 42 countries, compared with the 40 countries served throughout 2025.

The schedule reached 262 routes operated by 54 airlines. This variety reduces dependence on any single company and distributes activity across different European and international markets.

The growth in connections also strengthens the airport’s position as the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. It serves both residents and visitors travelling to Málaga city, Marbella, Mijas, Nerja and other destinations across the province.

Between 10,000 and 11,000 Workers

Between 10,000 and 11,000 people are involved in the airport’s operation throughout the year. This figure includes airline, security, ground handling, cleaning, retail, catering, transport and other airport service personnel.

Managing the airport resembles running an urban centre because of the number of people, companies and systems requiring coordination. A temporary concentration at security or baggage reclaim can cause difficulties even on a day with fewer passengers than another busier period.

Airport management estimates that the current facilities could handle more than 36.5 million passengers per year. The future expansion is therefore not solely a response to an immediate shortage of space, but an attempt to prepare for growth over the coming decades.

A €1.5 Billion Expansion

Aena is working on the airport’s most ambitious refurbishment and expansion since Terminal 3 opened in 2010. The project represents an investment of approximately €1.5 billion and remains at the technical planning stage.

The plans include a new pier for non-Schengen flights, centralised border control, additional aircraft contact stands, larger security areas and a redesigned baggage handling system.

Commercial spaces and VIP lounges will also be expanded, while new taxiways will be built on the airfield to improve aircraft circulation between the runways and parking stands.

Construction Could Begin in 2029

Planning currently places the possible start of construction in 2029, once the necessary projects and procedures have been completed. The work could continue for approximately seven years, with the airport remaining operational throughout the process.

The project will also reserve space for possible future railway infrastructure and improve the surrounding development, road access and car parks. The aim is for terminal capacity, ground connections and the airfield to evolve at the same pace.

The transformation is being planned with a timeframe covering several decades. Aena wants to prevent the airport from becoming a constraint on Málaga’s tourism and economic development while improving the experience of passengers and airlines.