The story of Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, begins in the early 1920s when the island’s first aviation activities involved seaplanes used for postal services. In 1934, a significant development occurred when the company Aero-Taxi de Mallorca was established to organize tourist flights to the island, using the existing Son Sant Joan airfield for its operations and even opening a flight school. The following year, in 1935, LAPE (Líneas Aéreas Postales Españolas), the predecessor of Iberia, initiated the first regular air route between Madrid and Palma, with a stopover in Valencia.
During the late 1930s and 1940s, Son Sant Joan was primarily used for military purposes, while commercial flights operated from the nearby Son Bonet aerodrome. However, this arrangement couldn’t last as tourism to the island grew dramatically. By the late 1950s, Son Bonet had reached its expansion limits, and in 1958, the National Airport Plan proposed building a large civilian airport at the Son Sant Joan air base.
On July 7, 1960, Son Sant Joan Airport was officially opened to both domestic and international traffic, marking the birth of what we now know as Palma de Mallorca Airport. Just two weeks after opening, the Spanish government declared the expansion of the airport urgent, and by summer 1961, works began to extend the runway and taxiway. Additional developments followed, including a power plant, communications center, and fire and rescue facilities.
The 1960s saw PMI handling over one million passengers annually, a figure that doubled by 1965. This rapid growth necessitated further expansions, including a new terminal built in 1965 (Terminal A) and a second runway completed in 1974. By 1980, passenger numbers had reached seven million, increasing to ten million by 1986. This continuous growth led to the construction of a new terminal that opened in 1997, transforming PMI into the modern facility we know today.
PMI Statistics and Quick Facts
PMI has developed into one of Europe’s busiest airports, particularly during the summer months. In 2024, the airport handled an impressive 33.3 million passengers, securing its position as Spain’s third busiest airport after Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat. It also ranks as the fourteenth busiest airport in Europe.
The latest statistics show continued growth in passenger numbers, with January 2025 seeing 909,795 passengers, representing a 2.25% increase compared to January 2024. This upward trend follows the pattern from previous years, as 2024’s total of 33.3 million passengers marked a 7.05% increase from 2023’s 31.1 million.
PMI Facts
- Located 8 km (5 miles) east of Palma, adjacent to the village of Can Pastilla
- Features two runways: 3,270 meters (06L/24R) and 3,000 meters (06R/24L)
- Covers an area of 6.3 km² (2.4 sq mi)
- Operates as a single terminal with four modules (A, B, C, and D)
- Has a capacity to handle 25 million passengers per year
- Can dispatch up to 12,000 passengers per hour
- Features over 200 check-in desks and approximately 70 boarding gates
- During peak summer months, the airport handles nearly as many movements as London-Gatwick
- In July 2016, the airport set a record with 1,054 flights in a single 24-hour period, averaging almost one flight every 0.7 minutes
PMI serves as the main base for the Spanish carrier Air Europa and functions as a focus airport for several other airlines, including Eurowings, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, and Vueling. The airport’s air traffic controllers manage up to 66 planes per hour from a 55-meter tall control tower, demonstrating remarkable efficiency for its size.
Comprehensive Facilities
Despite its high volume of traffic, PMI offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable travel experience for all passengers. The airport operates with a single main terminal building divided into four modules (A, B, C, and D):
- Module A: Located in the north of the airport with blue signs, primarily serves non-Schengen destinations, including flights to the UK and Ireland
- Module B: The smallest module with eight gates, mainly used for domestic flights within the Balearic Islands
- Module C: The largest module, serving European flights within the Schengen area with over 30 gates
- Module D: Handles a mix of international and domestic flights, focusing on mainland Spain and other Schengen countries
Throughout these modules, passengers can access a wide variety of amenities, including:
- Shopping outlets, including duty-free stores
- Numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars catering to different tastes and budgets
- Three VIP lounges: Formentor (in Module D), L’Ofre (on the departure floor), and Randa (in the terminal building)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- A post office and telegraph services
- Medical care facilities on the 2nd floor
- A business center
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Children’s play areas
- Accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility, including adapted toilets and acoustic/visual information in four languages
Additionally, the Consell de Mallorca operates a tourist information desk on the ground floor, providing valuable assistance to visitors arriving on the island.
Major Airlines and Destinations
PMI serves as a critical hub connecting Mallorca with destinations across Europe and beyond. As the main base for Air Europa and a focus city for several other carriers, the airport offers an extensive network of routes. Some of the major airlines operating at PMI include:
- Air Europa
- Eurowings
- EasyJet
- Jet2.com
- Ryanair
- Vueling
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Condor
The most frequently served destinations from PMI include Barcelona, Madrid, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and various cities in the United Kingdom. By nationality, German passengers represent the largest group traveling through PMI, followed by Spanish and British travelers.
During summer months, the airport’s importance as a tourism gateway becomes particularly evident. The seasonal demand is so significant that even major carriers like Lufthansa deploy Boeing 747s on what are essentially short-haul flights of just over two hours from Germany to Mallorca.
Ground Transportation Options
PMI offers various transportation options to help travelers reach their destinations across the island:
Bus Services
Public buses operate from two stops at the airport, providing regular connections to central Palma and other locations around Mallorca. The EMT buses are particularly popular, with tickets starting at approximately €5. They offer a cost-effective way to reach Palma city center and connect to other transportation networks.
Taxi Services
Taxis are readily available at ranks located outside the arrivals hall, operating 24 hours a day. Fares to Palma city center typically cost around €20, while journeys to more distant resorts follow tiered pricing structures. Popular destinations include Capdepera, Llumajor, Manacor, Son Servera, Calvià, Costa de la Calma, Peguera, and Port de Palma.
Car Rentals
Numerous car rental companies operate at PMI, with desks located near the baggage reclaim area. This option provides maximum flexibility for exploring the island at your own pace. The airport’s strategic location puts it within easy driving distance of most major tourist destinations on Mallorca.
Private Transfers
For those seeking a more personalized service, various companies offer private transfers from the airport to hotels and resorts across the island. These can be pre-booked and offer door-to-door service.
Train Connections
While there is a small rail network on Mallorca, it does not directly serve the airport. However, passengers can connect to train services via bus links to Palma.
The Future of PMI
As passenger numbers continue to grow, PMI has ambitious plans for the future. Currently, the airport has a capacity to handle 25 million passengers annually, but there are plans to expand this to accommodate up to 32 million passengers per year.
Recent developments have included the inauguration of a new VIP lounge called Mestral in Module B, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience. PMI’s excellence was recognized in 2012 when it received the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award from the Airport Council International (ACI), and more recently, the Airports Council International awarded PMI the Best Airport in Europe for facilities handling between 25 and 40 million passengers.
The airport continues to implement modernization initiatives, including refurbishment and expansion of its modules to handle more flights and improve passenger flow. Module C, in particular, is undergoing enhancements to reduce walking distances from security control and add eight more gates with airbridges.
Sustainability is also becoming an increasing focus, with efforts to reduce the airport’s environmental footprint while maintaining its crucial role in supporting Mallorca’s tourism-dependent economy.
As PMI looks to the future, it remains committed to balancing growth with sustainability, continuing its vital role as the gateway to one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations. With its strategic importance to both the Spanish aviation network and European tourism, Palma de Mallorca Airport will undoubtedly continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of travelers for decades to come.
Keyword: TopAirports