Aena has taken the initial step towards the comprehensive overhaul of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport by awarding the design project in early May, valued at 44.1 million euros. This ambitious undertaking aims to increase the airport's capacity to 36 million passengers annually. Key construction elements include the demolition of the historic Terminal 1, the erection of a new pier nearly a kilometer long, and a complete reorganization of parking areas.
The Málaga airport is thus preparing for continuous visitor growth, particularly with the upcoming summer season. In the early months of 2026, it has already recorded a peak of over ten million passengers, representing a 71% increase compared to the previous year.
This investment drive coincides with a change in the airport's management. Effective July 1st, Sergio Millanes Vaquero, currently the director of the Seville airport, will assume leadership of the Málaga aerodrome. Meanwhile, Pedro Bendala, who has been at the helm since 2019, will move to a new role as deputy director of Airport Planning and Regulatory Control at Aena.
The joint venture (UTE) formed by Cemosa, Fairbanks Arquitectos, and the Sener group will have 60 months to complete the project design. The groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated between late 2028 and early 2029. According to Bendala, the renovation will be executed in phases and across multiple fronts simultaneously to expedite the work without impacting current services and capacity.
The infrastructure will undergo significant changes: Terminal 1 and the current piers B and C will be removed. In their place, the new pier E will be constructed, spanning 987 meters. The processing building will be expanded to connect with this new pier to the east, and Terminal Picasso will be extended southward. Additionally, an intermediate floor will be built on the 20th level to streamline passenger flow from Ireland and Cyprus, countries not part of the Schengen Area.
The new pier will accommodate up to 24 medium-sized aircraft. Regarding vehicle parking, a substantial increase is planned with a new Long-Term Parking building (PN) offering 3,374 spaces, a dedicated area for rental cars with 3,880 spaces across two floors, and the addition of two new levels to the existing P2 preferential parking.
The plan specifies that construction will proceed in phases, ensuring the airport's operational continuity. Interventions will begin with the demolition of T1 and the partial construction of pier E, followed by site development and parking construction, culminating in the remodeling of the flight deck area.
