Malaga Airport sets sights on expanding to accommodate 35 million passengers
In a historic milestone, Malaga Airport achieved a record-breaking 20 million annual passengers in November 2023, marking the first time in its 104-year history. Anticipating continued growth, AENA, the airport manager, is actively engaged in planning the expansion of the T-3 terminal, with a targeted capacity of approximately 35 million passengers.
The decision to augment Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is fuelled by the remarkable surge in passenger numbers and the resumption of tourist activities post-pandemic. Initial considerations included the possibility of constructing a new terminal; however, current efforts are focused on extending the existing Terminal 3.
Aertec, a specialized technology firm in the field of aeronautics, has been entrusted by AENA to spearhead the design for the expansion project. As the third-largest airport in terms of passenger volume on the Iberian Peninsula, Malaga Airport serves as the primary international gateway to Andalucia.
The aim is to improve passenger experience
Ana Pérez, the Director of Airport Planning at Aertec, revealed to EFE on Wednesday that the study encompasses not only the expansion of the airport's capacity but also incorporates initiatives to enhance the overall passenger experience. The objective is to leverage new technologies, streamlining processes such as check-in and security control to make the passenger journey more efficient.
Moreover, the expansion plan includes the introduction of new commercial, catering, and leisure services, all geared towards transforming the airport into a destination in itself. Pérez emphasized the goal of making the airport "not a place you have to go to, but a place you want to go to."
Malaga Airport, a key player in the Aena network, has been a bustling hub for tourists. The T-2 terminal was inaugurated in 1991, followed by the T-3 in 2010. Since 2012, the airport has boasted a second runway, solidifying its status as a crucial hub for international travel.
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