Málaga Airport New Expansion 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is entering a new phase with its largest upgrade in decades. In 2025, AENA announced a €1.5 billion expansion project that will transform the airport into a world-class hub, almost doubling its terminal space and boosting passenger capacity to 36 million by 2031.

Málaga Airport has seen record-breaking growth, welcoming nearly 25 million passengers in 2024 and ranking as Spain’s fourth busiest airport. This surge has created bottlenecks at security, boarding areas, and passport control, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Costa del Sol depends heavily on international tourism, and with visitor numbers climbing, the airport’s infrastructure must keep pace. The expansion will address overcrowding and future-proof the airport for decades to come.

This ambitious project will reshape how travelers experience Málaga Airport.
New non-Schengen pier: Terminal 1 and piers B and C will be demolished to make way for a modern non-Schengen pier with centralised border control.
Massive terminal expansion: The terminal area will grow from 80,000 m² to 140,000 m², creating smoother passenger flow.
Boosted processing capacity: Security screening will expand by 112%, departure passport control by 515%, and boarding zones by 381% (non-Schengen) and 126% (Schengen).
Improved passenger experience: VIP lounges and commercial spaces will increase by over 40%, offering more shops, restaurants, and amenities.
Airfield and access upgrades: New taxiways, better road links, and larger parking facilities will ease congestion both in the air and on the ground.

AENA has already launched technical studies worth €36.5 million to prepare detailed execution plans. Construction will start in 2027 and finish by 2031. Crucially, Málaga Airport will remain fully operational throughout the works, ensuring minimal disruption to passengers.

The expansion is about more than extra capacity — it’s an investment in the entire region’s future.
Málaga Airport is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol, and better facilities will strengthen tourism, business links, and property investment. Airlines will have room to add new international routes, while travelers will benefit from faster processing, more comfort, and less crowding.
For the Costa del Sol economy, this project represents a significant boost, supporting jobs in aviation, tourism, hospitality, and real estate.

When will Málaga Airport’s expansion be complete?
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and finish by 2031, with the airport remaining open during the entire process.

How much is being invested in the project?
The total budget is approximately €1.5 billion, making it one of Spain’s largest airport investments in recent years.

How many passengers will Málaga Airport handle after the expansion?
Capacity will rise from nearly 25 million passengers in 2024 to 36 million passengers annually once the project is complete.

What changes will travelers notice the most?
Passengers will see more boarding gates, larger security and passport control areas, expanded shopping and dining options, and better parking and access roads.

Why is Málaga Airport expanding now?
The airport has reached near-capacity with record-breaking passenger numbers. The expansion will ease congestion and allow for future growth in tourism and international routes.

Will flights be disrupted during the works?
No major disruptions are expected. AENA has confirmed the airport will stay operational throughout the project, with construction staged to avoid interruptions.

The Málaga Airport new expansion is more than an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a transformation that will shape the future of travel to southern Spain. By 2031, the €1.5 billion project will deliver new terminals, faster processing, and world-class facilities, solidifying Málaga’s role as the premier gateway to the Costa del Sol.

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