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Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport has officially launched its most ambitious upgrade since the 2010 opening of Terminal 3, with Spanish airport operator Aena awarding a €52.16 million contract for works management and supervision.
This will be the operational kickoff of a massive €1.5 billion investment plan designed to increase annual passenger capacity to 36 million and bring facilities up to date for an improved flyer experience. What transport expansion plans are there for holidaymakers when they arrive in Malaga?
Project milestones and initial investment
Aena’s latest tender follows the recent €36.5 million award for project design, pushing early commitments close to €90 million. It is now time to move from planning to execution, while maintaining the airport’s full operational status. Phased construction will, according to the company, minimise disruptions for passenger flows, security checks, boarding and baggage claims.
Highlights include:
- The new non-Schengen boarder with centralised passport controls.
- Additional jetbridges and automated security checkpoints.
- Upgraded baggage handling to speed up delivery
- Retail and dining areas have grown by 41 percent; VIP lounges are up 43 percent.
The upgrades aim to improve operations, reduce queues and increase comfort. The improvements on the airside will include new taxiways that will reduce runway wait times and redeveloped parking lots for better mobility.
Record traffic creates urgency
This expansion is a result of the seemingly inexhaustible growth at Malaga airport. In 2025’s first half, the airport handled 12,3 million passengers, an increase of 7.8 % year-overyear. With 87,434 flights, this was its best start ever. The UK is still the largest source market for passengers, followed by Germany and the Netherlands.
The question remains, however, of what will happen to the tourists once they arrive at Malaga Airport. Junta de Andalucia invests heavily in road improvements near the airport, including new connections to the A-7 and MA-21, which link Malaga and Torremolinos. However, once you enter the western Costa del Sol and pass Benalmadena there are still issues between Benalmadena ad Casares, due to the excessive traffic on A-7. The AP-7 is also one of the costliest toll roads, while the rail service between the airport and Fuengirola can be problematic
Government support and strategic impact
Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente spoke of the government’s commitment to the airport expansion project the commitment: “We are fulfilling our promises with the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport expansion with a €1.5 billion investment to upgrade facilities and passenger service.” There has been little in the way of promises made with regards to plans for trainline extensions. What will happen with the transport infrastructure to get more tourists to their destination, given that we’re bringing in more tourists?
Heathrow is currently the top European airport for traffic congestion, followed by Gatwick, Rome Fiumicino and Frankfurt. Malaga may soon join them.
