The total investment for the five-year period 2027-2031 proposed by Spanish airport authority Aena for Palma airport amounts to €621.6 million, 46% more than the previous period. This is stated in the Airport Regulation Document (DORA) for this period, which includes actions such as platforms, runway and taxiway pavements, taxiways, and renovation of boarding bridges, while on the ground, car parks, urbanisation, and photovoltaic panels on car park roofs are planned.
The airport operator has pointed out that the refurbishment of the Terminal Area is included in the DORA for 2022-2026. In the case of Ibiza, the total investment for the five-year period 2027-2031 proposed by Aena is €229.7 million (+202%). For Menorca, the investment will reach €170.7 million (+336%).
In both cases, the investment must be used to adapt security controls so that the latest technology equipment, which requires a larger surface area, can be installed, as well as to adapt to border control regulations. The aim is to improve the efficiency and quality of passport control, which requires the creation of a single area providing access to a non-Schengen boarding area.
All this means that other collateral areas need to be redefined so that passenger flow is simple and clear. This represents an additional 29% of space so that the service can be provided with the necessary quality, also taking into account areas not intended for passengers, such as warehouses or offices.
To undertake this investment, Aena has proposed an average annual increase in the tariff which, in the case of the Balearic airports, will be 35 cents, which would be 25 cents if the incentives were applied. With an investment of €7.9 million, Son Bonet plans to improve urbanisation, accesses and connections, as well as carrying out work on the airfield and apron, upgrading the pavement and extending the apron, improving the drainage system, improving security, perimeter fencing and improving offices.
Aena also maintains its project for a solar plant at this infrastructure. To undertake this investment, a 25-cent increase in fees is expected, which would remain at 10 cents if the incentives were applied.
Malaga Airport, for example, has announced a €1.5 billion expansion plan that will include a new zone for Britons arriving for their holidays. In recent months, there have been reports of long queues at the airport as the EES (Entry/Exit System) comes into force.