Palma de Mallorca Airport: Two Decades of Growth and Connectivity

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

Development of Flight Operations and Passenger Numbers at Palma de Mallorca Airport

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), a vital hub in the Balearic Islands, has experienced remarkable growth in both flight operations and passenger numbers over the past two decades. Recent data released by the airport operator, Aena, highlights significant trends and milestones achieved from 2004 to 2024.

Record Growth in Passenger Numbers

2024 was the year with the highest passenger volume in the history of Palma de Mallorca Airport. Last year, 33,298,164 passengers travelled via PMI – a remarkable increase of 7.0 % compared to the 31,106,165 passengers in 2023. This figure also marks a substantial growth of 63.1% compared to 2004, when the airport handled 20,416,083 passengers.

Breaking down the 2024 data, domestic flights accounted for 9,058,246 passengers, representing a 5.0% increase from 2023’s 8,625,397 passengers. Meanwhile, international flights served 24,225,720 passengers, a rise of 7.8% from 22,467,707 passengers in the previous year.

Increase in Flight Operations

Flight operations at Palma de Mallorca Airport have also expanded significantly. In 2024, the airport managed 243,200 flights, which is 6.2% higher than the 228,918 flights in 2023. Comparing this to the 177,859 flights recorded in 2004, the growth in flight operations over the 20-year period stands at 36.7%.

Resilience and Post-Pandemic Recovery

The data reflects the resilience of Palma de Mallorca Airport, particularly in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Passenger numbers in 2022 were 28,573,350, a notable recovery from the pandemic years and only slightly below the 2019 pre-pandemic figure of 29,721,142 passengers. By 2024, the airport had not only regained its pre-pandemic momentum but also exceeded the 2019 figures by 12.0%.

Strategic Implications

The growth in passenger numbers and flight operations underscores Palma de Mallorca Airport’s importance as a major gateway for tourism and commerce in the Mediterranean. The increasing passenger volume, particularly on international routes, highlights the airport’s role in connecting Spain to global destinations. Meanwhile, the steady rise in domestic passenger numbers indicates a robust demand for inter-island and mainland connections.

Sustained Growth and Future Prospects

The trajectory of growth at Palma de Mallorca Airport over the last two decades is a testament to its strategic significance and operational excellence. With passenger numbers rising by over 60% since 2004 and flight operations expanding by nearly 37%, the airport continues to be a key driver of economic and tourism development in the region. As the airport looks to the future, maintaining this growth while addressing sustainability and capacity challenges will be crucial.