Málaga Airport Expansion: €830M Investment
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport will receive 830 million euros between 2027 and 2031 to expand its terminal and upgrade its facilities. The investment forms part of the new Airport Regulation Document (DORA) 2027-2031, approved by the Council of Ministers. Nearly 13.000 million euros will be allocated across the entire airport network managed by Aena.
Of the 1.267 million euros earmarked for Andalusia, Málaga will receive approximately two out of every three euros. This places it well ahead of Seville, the Andalusian airport with the second-largest investment, which will receive 235 million euros.
What the plan includes
The main project is the expansion of the terminal area. Further improvements include resurfacing the aircraft aprons and works designed to strengthen operational safety. Overall, the programme represents an average investment of 166 million euros per year over the five-year period.
Aena has not yet published a detailed timetable for the different phases or confirmed when the works will be completed. At this stage, therefore, the announcement establishes the investment framework rather than a final construction schedule.
Who is funding the investment?
The funding will not come from Spain's General State Budget. Instead, it will be financed through revenue generated by the airport system managed by Aena. Following the Council of Ministers meeting, Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility Óscar Puente explained that airport charges are expected to change very little during the period. The average increase will be around three cents per passenger per year.
Why the Málaga Airport expansion matters for the Costa del Sol
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the main gateway for most international buyers travelling to Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona. A terminal expansion on this scale is usually associated with greater operational capacity and, over the medium term, the potential for additional routes. Similar patterns have been seen at other European airports following major expansion projects.
This should not be confused with an announcement of new flights. For now, the plan concerns infrastructure investment rather than a new flight schedule. Nevertheless, it adds to the wider picture of a Costa del Sol that continues to strengthen its international connectivity, particularly with the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. These countries are among the most important markets for residential property demand in the area. You can find further information on how to get to Marbella from abroad in our complete guide.
Investment by airport (Andalusia's two main airports)
| Málaga-Costa del Sol | Seville | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment 2027-2031 | 830 M€ | 235 M€ |
| Main project | Terminal expansion | Security control expansion |
| Other projects | Apron resurfacing, operational safety | Photovoltaic plan, air conditioning, fire protection |
| % of total Andalusian investment | ~65% | ~19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will Aena invest in Málaga Airport by 2031?
830 million euros under the new DORA 2027-2031 programme approved by the Council of Ministers.
What will the investment be used for?
The main priority is the expansion of the terminal area. The programme also includes resurfacing the aircraft aprons and improvements to operational safety.
Where will the funding come from?
It will come from revenue generated by the airport system managed by Aena, rather than from Spain's General State Budget.
Will airport charges increase because of the investment?
Only slightly. Minister Óscar Puente estimated an average increase of around three cents per passenger per year.
Does the Málaga Airport expansion mean there will be more flights to the Costa del Sol?
Not immediately. This is an infrastructure investment. Any increase in routes will depend on subsequent decisions made by the airlines.
Source: Área Costa del Sol, 16 September 2026.
