The Operation Strait Crossing (OPE), which facilitates the transit of people of North African origin from Europe to North Africa, officially began this Monday, June 15. The Port of Malaga, along with others in Andalusia, has prepared its facilities to host travelers who will use the port as a boarding point for Melilla, before entering Morocco.
The operation, which will run until September 15, is divided into an outward phase towards the Alawite country, concluding in mid-August, and a return phase that ends on the specified date. In the 2025 edition, the Malagueño port handled 101,174 travelers and 23,131 vehicles, figures expected to be surpassed in the current 2026 exercise.
The infrastructure set up for OPE 2026 at the Malaga port precinct covers 15,000 square meters, distributed between the San Andrés area (main hub) and a section of pier number four for parking. San Andrés features two large tents for vehicles and people, in addition to modular units for Civil Protection and the Red Cross. This is complemented by ticket sales points, sanitary and hygienic service modules, showers, a kiosk, a diaper changing area, information service, public address system, and even a playroom.
Maritime transport will be handled by Baleària's ferry Rusadir, which will make 112 rotations between Malaga and Melilla during the OPE period. This vessel, with a capacity for 1,670 passengers and 650 vehicles, offers various accommodations and will operate daily departures, including double sailings on Saturdays.
In addition to land and sea services, the operation includes road support in various towns within the province such as Villanueva del Trabuco, Villanueva del Rosario, Antequera, Casabermeja, Torremolinos, Marbella, Estepona, and Manilva.
