Walter Finch
MALAGA Airport has smashed its record by handling 630 flights in a single day on Sunday, July 14th.
The new record was set after the airport exceeded its own flight capacity, reaching up to 50 flights in a single hour.
The airport’s capacity is currently estimated at 46 takeoffs and landings per hour.
This unprecedented level of activity is being sustained for longer periods, with peak times now stretching to four hours in the morning and an additional two to three hours in the afternoon.
Even nighttime operations are becoming increasingly busy.
“The peak season is no longer six months but 11 – it’s a challenge,” an airport representative said.
Despite exceeding its capacity, Malaga Airport has managed to avoid delays and has maintained a normal level of service.
This has been put down to the new Midas project control system, which has enhanced operational capacity, as well as enabling efficient communication between air traffic control, airport operations, airlines, and crews.
Looking ahead, the airport is bracing for an even busier summer season.
July and August are expected to see a daily average of over 500 flights, a first in the airport’s history. However, airport authorities remain confident in their ability to handle the increased traffic, stating that there is sufficient operational capacity to meet current and future demands.
While occasional peak hour overloads may occur, the airport claims these are managed through careful redistribution of flight slots.
“Exceeding the maximum number of flights per hour occasionally does not imply any operational problems since the flights are redistributed efficiently,” the spokesperson explained.
There is also potential for further growth during off-peak hours, as the airport currently operates for only 20 hours per day.
However there are no immediate plans to expand the airport despite the ever-growing demand.
