Mallorca Airport: getting there
After Madrid and Barcelona, Mallorca is Spain’s third most important airport by passenger numbers and profitability. This is no surprise for a facility that welcomes millions of tourists every year not just from locations in Spain but also from the principal European cities thanks to the strategic position of this Balearic island just a few hours’ flight from these cities. We will now tell you about how to reach one of the most popular holiday destinations by air (the main form of access), and all about Mallorca airport, its structure, services and how to get there.
How many airports does Mallorca have?
Mallorca’s main airport is in the island’s capital, Palma. The island has another airport called Son Bonet located in the municipality of Marratxí, but this does not operate commercial flights. This means that Son Sant Joan or PMI (as it is also known) is the main airport for travelling to Mallorca and from there transferring to the other islands to discover the magic of the Balearic Islands.
What is Mallorca airport called?
Palma de Mallorca airport (PMI) is where everything starts and ends, especially the most eagerly awaited holidays of the year. This airport handles more than 30 million passengers a year and over 12,000 passengers an hour on the busiest days in the summer months. Its official name is Son Sant Joan Airport and its current design is by the famous Mallorcan architect Pere Nicolau Bover. It opened in the 1960s and since then has improved both its offer of services and its infrastructure to provide travellers with a much more comfortable and pleasant arrival and departure.
A series of improvements to the quality of the airport has recently seen it recognised as the “Best Airport in Europe” in its category of between 25 and 40 million passengers in 2023.
Where is Mallorca airport?
Palma airport is located close to the capital, just 8 kilometres to its east, and there is easy access between the airport and the city. It covers more than 6 square kilometres next to Playa de Palma and the neighbourhood of Es Coll d’en Rabassa.
Mallorca airport’s terminals
On arrival at Palma de Mallorca airport, you will find a single terminal in the main building divided into four different modules: Module A, Module B (the smallest, which is frequently used to operate regional flights), Module C (with two wings, this is the largest) and Module D.
This airport is a base for and operates with many of the leading companies that fly out of Spain, such as Vueling, Iberia, Air Europa, Ryanair and Norwegian, as well as ones that come from the United Kingdom from where millions of tourists every year come to the island in search of the precious sun, which they barely see for much of the year.
Going to the centre of Palma from the airport and vice versa
You can travel between PdM airport and the centre of the city by public transport, with three bus routes, car and taxi. If you choose the bus, you can take the A1, which links the airport to the centre of the city, the A2 (which goes to the resort of S'Arenal) and the 34, which goes to the son Espases hospital in the city of Palma.
By car, the fastest route, which is only 15 kilometres, is on the Llevant/MA 19 motorway. This route is also used by the taxis, which everyday take thousands of travellers to the airport terminal for an average price of 25 euros for a 15–20 minute journey.
Things to see and do near Mallorca airport
Before enjoying everything that the island of Mallorca offers, with its multiple options including nature tourism, artistic heritage and especially natural spaces next to heavenly beaches and coves, there is a unique space for shopping and gastronomy not far from the airport: Mallorca Fashion Outlet, a shopping centre 7 km from the capital and surrounded by nature, where you can enjoy an afternoon shopping with the best premium fashion brands at the best prices. It is an unmissable plan before leaving the island where you have spent a marvellous holiday.
When you reach your holiday destination, the airport is often the first point of entry and the space that welcomes you to your destination. A first look that can give a good idea of what you will find in you long-awaited days of rest and relaxation. This is the case with Palma and its airport, just 8 km from the city, through which millions of tourists arrive every year wanting to enjoy a dream location in the form of an island. Welcome!