'Costa del Sol's Malaga Airport Takes Off to New Heights: 2.2 Million Passengers Fly High, Leaving Records in the Dust!'
Malaga Airport has just had a month that could only be described as 'sky high,' setting new records for passenger numbers and aircraft movements in September. According to data published by airport operator Aena, a whopping 2.2 million passengers passed through the airport last month, a staggering 11.9% more than the previous record in 2019 and an impressive 20% increase from 2022. It seems like Malaga Airport is on a growth trajectory that's nothing short of extraordinary, making it a standout in Spain's aviation scene.
In fact, Malaga Airport has been leading the charge among major airports in Spain, boasting a 9.6% rise in passenger numbers so far this year. Madrid and Barcelona may have seen increases of 3.5% and 7.6%, respectively, but they still haven't caught up to the pre-pandemic passenger volumes of 2019. Malaga, on the other hand, has solidified its position as the country's fourth most important airport, welcoming 3.4% more passengers than in 2019, with only Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca ahead of it. This bustling hub even outpaces Alicante Airport, which managed a modest 2% increase this year with just over five million passengers.
So, what's the secret behind this unprecedented growth? It's all about connections! Travelers have been responding enthusiastically to the array of both domestic and international destinations offered. In September alone, there was a 17.9% increase in passengers flying between Spanish cities compared to 2022, totaling a whopping 372,295. And for those jet-setting to international destinations, the numbers soared by an incredible 20.4%, nearly reaching 1.9 million passengers.
What's particularly remarkable about the 2.2 million passengers in September is that it shows this airport's magic isn't limited to the peak summer months of July and August. It's a clear sign that efforts to extend the tourist season and distribute visitors more evenly throughout the year are bearing fruit.
When it comes to international markets, the British topped the charts with 579,444 passengers, followed by the Germans (186,568), the French (135,235), Dutch travelers (123,116), and the Irish (111,803).
But the high-flying stats don't stop there! Malaga Airport's runways were bustling with activity, hosting a total of 15,847 aircraft movements last month—almost 13% more than in 2019. In fact, throughout this year, the airport has seen a grand total of 123,792 landings and take-offs, marking an 8.8% increase compared to the same period before the pandemic.
And let's not forget to mention the day when the skies were busiest—September 3rd took the crown as Malaga Airport's most bustling day, with a remarkable 82,937 passengers and 578 flights, proving that this airport is soaring to new heights and setting records left, right, and center!