2025 was a landmark year for Málaga‑Costa del Sol Airport. Nestled on Spain’s sun-drenched southern coast, the airport once again proved why it’s a major gateway to Europe’s favorite holiday hotspot. Passenger numbers skyrocketed, underscoring both the enduring appeal of the Costa del Sol and Málaga’s role as a global travel hub.

Record-breaking figures
According to official data, 26.76 million passengers passed through Málaga in 2025, a 7.4% increase over 2024. This surge reinforced the airport’s position as Spain’s third-busiest airport, trailing only Madrid and Barcelona. Breaking it down:

• 22.25 million international travelers, highlighting Málaga’s strong pull for overseas visitors.
• 4.47 million domestic passengers, reflecting solid internal connectivity across Spain.
• 186,990 aircraft movements, marking a 6.9% rise from the previous year.

The numbers tell a story: Málaga is not just growing; it’s thriving.

Global connections driving growth
Tourism remains the engine behind Málaga’s success. Travelers from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy made up the bulk of arrivals. Emerging long-haul routes and seasonal charters also contributed to the airport’s expansion, showing that Málaga’s reach is becoming increasingly international.

From January to October 2025, over 23.3 million passengers already passed through, signaling that the airport was on track to surpass its record by year’s end. Daily averages often topped 83,000 travelers, keeping the terminals buzzing with activity.

Looking ahead
Despite breaking records, Málaga is not slowing down. With current infrastructure handling around 30 million passengers, future expansion plans aim to increase capacity to 36 million annually. The airport’s vision is clear: accommodate rising demand while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable passenger experience.