Malaga Airport expansion plan

Aena President, Maurici Lucena unveiled a major expansion plan on Friday, 26th June, at a meeting between the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre and the provincial council president, Francisco Salado. 

The ambitious and forward-looking project, which is detailed in the next Airport Regulation Document (DORA III), will be approved by September 2026.

The expansion will almost double the current airport footprint from 80,000 sqm to around 140,000 sqm, continuing its bet that Malaga and Andalusia is a major hub for connectivity, economic development and globalization.

“This major project clearly demonstrates Aena’s commitment to connectivity and growth in Malaga Province and Andalusia,” Lucena said, showing how airports benefit the region they are located by improving mobility for businesses and citizens. Although the cost of the project was not revealed, it included significant infrastructure changes. These include the demolition and reconstruction of Terminal 1, the non-Schengen C and B piers and a new space adjacent to the 2nd runway.

After the completion of the design which was received well during the meeting, the tender for construction will be launched within the next few weeks. Project draughting should begin in the year 2026. Environmental permits are expected in 2028. Construction is hoped to begin by 2029.

Malaga Airport is at capacity. Malaga airport has reached its capacity.

The expansion plan will design the terminal capacity specifically to meet anticipated near-future demands. It includes a new non Schengen pier, with centralised border controls, more contact stands to improve airline and passenger service, expanded security screening, and a redesigned luggage handling system that streamlines operations.

There are many improvements, including a 112 % increase in the space for security screening, a 515 % expansion of passport control at departures, an increase of 381 % in non-Schengen boarding and waiting areas, and an expansion by 126 % in Schengen flights. Commercial areas in the terminal are expected to increase by 41 percent, and VIP lounges by 43 percent.

New taxiways on the airfield will allow for better aircraft circulation as the existing runways are not sufficient to meet future requirements. Aena will also be undertaking a major overhaul on the exterior of the airport, proposing better urbanisation and access, as well as increased parking capacity.