IATA Code: AGP
Address: Avenida Comandante García Moratos/n.
29004 Málaga
Distance from City: 8km
Terminal Plan: Here
Day Trip Possible: Yes
Passenger Numbers: 12,000,000 (2009)
Closest Alternative: Granada, Jerez
Overview: The fourth largest airport in Spain, Malaga is a key airport for the airlines as it serves the very popular tourist resorts of Torremolinos and the Costa del Sol. The long-awaited new terminal has been completed and has opened in March 2010, giving the airport one of the most modern terminals in the country. Malaga is one of the few of the traditional holiday destinations that are served all-year around by the low-cost airlines. There are still further expansions due here with a second runway to be added which should further improve the turnaround times and variety of destination. With a promised capacity of 30 million passengers, there are exciting times ahead here.
Getting there: Located just 8km from Malaga, it is pretty easy to reach the nearby tourist resorts or Malaga itself. There are a variety of buses which serve the airport – Line 75 is the express version and has fewer stops on the way to Malaga. There is also a bus which serves Marbella. All buses leave from Terminal 3. It is also possible to access the airport via train, which leaves from the station near Terminal 2. Taxi would cost approximately 15 Euros dependent on time, or there is plenty of car hire. A new train station is being planned at the airport to make a transportation hub which should further improve options.
General Tips: All flights now depart from Terminal 3 which is directly next to the old Terminal 2, which instead of closing, will get a refurbishment. The airport is vast, and as you would expect from a new airport – is very clean and bright, with most facilities you would expect from a larger airport. The two terminals still serve the same departure piers – known as Pier B, C and D and at peak times you may face a long walk between gates. In common with many airports, buses may be used to transport to the terminal, even for the larger airlines. Malaga has what is supposedly the largest food hall in Europe with a massive range of places to eat and there are smaller places dotted around the airport. If you do get bored, the airport complex also has the National Aviation Museum. On the downside, do expect longer queues in the summertime, particularly with security.
Budget Travellers Guide: Fascinating place and relatively cheap to travel to out of season (not during the summer where it is particularly expensive especially on weekends). Long sector length from the UK make this a longer flight than the average. Great weather make it a good choice all the year around. Connections aplenty here: British Airways fly to Heathrow, Aer Lingus to Gatwick. Ryanair connect to most of their airports in the UK as well as their larger bases and many Spanish destinations; Easyjet serve three London airports (Luton, Gatwick, Stansted) as well as many other UK destinations. Many domestic destinations are served and during summer months there is even a flight by Delta to New York.
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