The Costa del Sol gateway is soaring to new heights as Malaga Airport records its strongest first quarter in history, welcoming nearly 4.8 million passengers in the opening months of 2025. This marks a 6% increase over the same period last year—even without the usual Easter holiday surge that boosted figures in 2024.
According to Aena, Spain’s airport operator, the growth solidifies Malaga Airport’s position as the third-busiest airport in the country, behind only Madrid and Barcelona. The momentum shows no signs of slowing, setting the stage for what may become a record-breaking high season on the sun-drenched southern coast.
March Delivers Sky-High Numbers Despite Calendar Shift
March alone brought nearly 1.9 million travelers through Malaga’s terminals, an impressive 8.3% jump from the same month in 2024. These figures are particularly notable because they come without the traffic usually associated with Easter travel. For context, this surge is double the average increase seen across Spain’s entire airport network.
In terms of flight activity, the airport recorded 13,489 aircraft movements in March and a total of 34,843 take-offs and landings between January and March—a 7% rise from last year. These figures confirm Malaga’s growing role not only as a regional hub but also as a key entry point for international visitors exploring the Andalusian coastline.
Foreign Travel Drives Growth While Domestic Demand Slows
One of the standout trends this year is the continued strength of international travel. While domestic passenger numbers dipped by 1.3%, international arrivals and departures rose by a healthy 7.8%, totaling nearly 3.9 million passengers. By contrast, Spanish passenger traffic accounted for just under 870,000 travelers during the same period.
Malaga is not alone in its ascent. A total of 16 major Spanish airports, including hubs in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia, also reported record-breaking figures. Still, Malaga’s performance stands out due to its scale, growth rate, and increasing relevance for both leisure and airline operations.
Airlines Expand Operations Ahead of Busy Summer
Airlines are ramping up for an exceptionally busy season. Ryanair, the largest carrier at Malaga Airport, has scheduled its most extensive summer operation yet, offering 5.3 million seats—a 5% increase over last year. The airline plans to connect Malaga with 91 European cities, adding five brand-new destinations, including Brno (Czech Republic), Lübeck and Münster (Germany), Teesside (UK), and a second airport in Warsaw.
Vueling, the second-largest carrier operating from Malaga, is also increasing its commitment. The airline will add 23.2% more seats compared to the same period in 2024. International links with London-Gatwick, Amsterdam, and Paris-Orly are being reinforced with additional weekly flights. Domestically, connections with Tenerife North, Las Palmas, and Fuerteventura will see boosted frequencies, alongside added service to Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.
EasyJet is contributing to the expansion as well, with an 11% increase in available seats and five new destinations. The airline is now entering its fifth consecutive year of operating a seasonal base at Malaga to handle the summer demand surge. Meanwhile, Dutch carrier KLM has announced a striking 34% increase in seats between Malaga and Amsterdam, far outpacing the airline’s average network growth of just 4%.
Ready for Take-Off: Malaga Airport Nears Full Capacity
Industry experts had predicted another strong year for Malaga Airport, and so far, the airport has exceeded those expectations. The facility closed out 2024 with over 25 million passengers, edging ever closer to its 30-million capacity threshold. With the latest performance figures, the Costa del Sol gateway appears well on its way to breaking that barrier.
As international airlines continue to expand routes and invest in the region, travelers flying into Malaga can expect smoother access to the beaches, cities, and mountains of southern Spain. For tourists, business travelers, and sunseekers alike, Malaga’s airport has become more than just a stopover—it’s a key hub in Europe’s growing air travel ecosystem.
