Málaga airport’s commitment to global luxury services
No luxury destination thrives without exceptional accessibility. Marbella’s enduring appeal as a world class residential resort largely depends on the outstanding performance of the Málaga Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). In 2024, AGP served a record 24,923,774 passengers across 174,915 flights, connecting to 155 direct destinations.
Malaga Airport’s traffic continued to climb in 2025. In the first half of the year, the airport handled 12.4 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. If growth continues at the same pace, annual throughput could reach 26.8 million passengers by year-end. The current terminal capacity stands at 30 million passengers per annum, and with volumes nearing that threshold, Spain’s airport operator AENA has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan.
Under the Dora III airport regulation strategy, to be ratified in 2027, the expansion envisions increasing terminal space from 80 000 m² to approximately 140 000 m². Terminal 1 and piers B and C will be demolished and replaced with new infrastructure adjacent to the second runway. Security screening space will grow by 112%, passport control areas by 515%, and boarding areas for non‑Schengen flights by 381%. Commercial zones and VIP lounges will increase by 41%. The project also includes new taxiways and enhancements to parking and surface access facilities.
For Marbella this means smoother arrivals, more route options, shorter queues and elevated premium services that align with its reputation as a top‑tier luxury destination.
Drone Taxis offer a futuristic mode of travel
At the same time, Málaga is leading Spain’s push into electric drone air‑taxi services. Under projects led by Enaire and Crisalion Mobility with partners including AENA and iJet. Initially these flights will have pilots aboard; autonomous operations are planned later.
The first validation flights will take place between Málaga and Granada during low‑traffic periods. Routes and vertiport protocols are already being designed to operate alongside conventional air traffic.
eVTOL aircraft from Lilium
Lilium’s electric VTOL aircraft, capable of seating five passengers plus a pilot, cruising at up to 280 km/h with a 250 km range, will be one of the first to operate on the Costa del Sol. By 2030, regular air‑taxi service between Málaga Airport's and Marbella is anticipated to take just 15 to 20 minutes, with fares expected to range from €150 to €200 per trip.
Luxury, connectivity and innovation
This surge in air mobility reflects Marbella’s evolving tourism profile. While British visitors remain the most numerous, there has been a notable increase in arrivals from North America, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. These affluent markets are growing steadily, drawn by Marbella’s lifestyle, golf, gastronomy and cultural appeal. Partnerships with organisations such as Virtuoso and the Spanish Luxury Association have helped support targeted promotion.
In 2024, Marbella hotels recorded 2, 584,174 overnight stays, up 3.4% year‑on‑year. From January to April 2025, the city welcomed around 182,000 visitors, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The introduction of VIP services courtesy of Ambaar Lounge in Terminal 3, featuring private check‑in, expedited security, lounge access and direct aircraft transfer, exemplifies the airport’s commitment to global luxury standards.
Render of future taxi service
Together, the expansion of Málaga Airport's and the drone taxi initiative herald a new era of fast, exclusive, and environmentally conscious travel, capable of completely transforming the arrival and departure experience on the Costa del Sol. These innovations will not only shorten transfer times and enhance international connectivity but will also raise the level of comfort, privacy, and efficiency for the most discerning travellers.
With an unprecedented offering of premium services and seamless integration between air and ground transportation, Marbella strengthens its position as a leading global luxury destination, where timeless elegance merges with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to anticipate the needs of high-end tourism and residential living for decades to come.
