Málaga Airport – the main gateway to Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol – is about to get a dramatic upgrade. With passenger numbers pushing the upper limit of current capacity, airport authority Aena has unveiled a sweeping expansion project to transform the terminal, streamline operations and future-proof one of Spain’s busiest transport hubs.
The plans, recently presented by Aena president Maurici Lucena to Málaga mayor Francisco de la Torre and provincial leader Francisco Salado, mark a new chapter for the airport – one that balances rising demand with environmental ambition.
Terminal transformation: nearly double the space
At the heart of the project is a bold architectural overhaul. The airport’s current terminal, which covers around 80,000 square metres, will be expanded to 140,000 square metres – a near doubling in size.
Outdated facilities, including Terminal 1 and areas for non-Schengen flights, will be demolished to make way for a new, integrated terminal design. The updated space will feature centralised passport control, direct links to the second runway, and upgraded systems to improve efficiency – including expanded aircraft contact zones and a next-generation baggage handling network.
Prioritising passenger comfort and flow
With the number of travellers expected to rise steadily, Aena’s redesign focuses on smarter layouts and faster movement. Security screening zones will grow by 112%, and passport control areas will increase fivefold, ensuring smoother journeys through the airport.
Waiting lounges for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights will be enlarged, with an additional 43% of space allocated to VIP lounges. Retail areas are also set to expand by 41%, reflecting the growing demand for airport shopping and dining. On the tarmac, new taxiways will help reduce runway congestion, improving turnaround times and overall air traffic flow.
Sustainability takes centre stage
Outside the terminal, Aena is committing to green infrastructure. Furthermore, improved access roads, expanded car parks and eco-conscious construction standards are all part of the blueprint. The entire project will adhere to strict environmental criteria, with safety and energy efficiency playing a central role in the airport’s new identity.
Once complete, Málaga will host some of the most advanced and sustainable airport facilities in the country – a crucial move for a region that relies heavily on tourism, and where environmental concerns are increasingly front and centre.
Timeline and next steps
The design phase is complete and has been well received by local and regional authorities. Aena plans to begin the tendering process for construction imminently. The lengthy environmental assessment, scheduled for 2028, must be completed before the physical work can begin – likely in 2029.
The entire project is set to be integrated into DORA III, Spain’s next five-year strategic aviation document, due for approval in 2026.
Last year, Málaga Airport processed nearly 25 million passengers – uncomfortably close to its official capacity of 30 million. With demand expected to rise due to both tourism and broader travel trends, this expansion is not just a response to current pressures, but a preparation for a significantly busier future.
Why this matters for Costa del Sol tourism
The Málaga Airport expansion is more than just a facelift – it’s a vital investment in one of Spain’s most visited regions. With improved infrastructure, a greener footprint and better passenger experience, it’s a clear signal that the Costa del Sol is preparing to welcome a new era of tourism.
As southern Spain attracts increasingly international audiences, this development could help ensure the region stays competitive, sustainable and connected for decades to come.
Source: Diariosur