National minister of public works José Luis Ábalos has emphasised the importance of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport as a focus of economic activity for both the province and the whole Andalucian region.
During a commemorative act marking the airport’s centenary, he highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to the development and improvement of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport as one of the main drivers of the regional economy and a key element of its future growth.
Among those accompanying Ábalos during the commemorative celebration were Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Junta de Andalucía (regional government), Málaga mayor Francisco de la Torre, and Maurici Lucena, president of Aena (the national airport authority).
Ábalos stressed that the airport’s contribution was essential for the continuing development of a modern and efficient airport network in Spain which, together with the country’s other transport infrastructure, would enhance connectivity, mobility and territorial cohesion. “The short-term objectives,” he said, “are to implement digital transformation, ensure energy efficiency and reduce pollution.”
History-Making Flight
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the “dean” of Spanish airports in their original location, celebrated its 100th anniversary on 2 September, coinciding with another air transport centenary. On 2 September 1919, El Rompedizo welcomed an inaugural flight by pioneering aviation company Compagnie de Lignes Aériennes Latécoère: Toulouse-Barcelona-Alicante-Málaga-Casablanca.
Documenting this momentous event, the local press reported, “Yesterday, one of the airplanes that runs the postal service from Toulouse to Rabat and Casablanca arrived in Málaga, landing at half past eight at the site called ‘El Rompedizo’. It flew from Alicante and correspondence included letters addressed to the main authorities of Málaga. Before landing, which was completed without incident, the aircraft flew over the capital, with people witnessing the flight drawn to the noise produced by its engine. It crossed over the Parque shortly after the end of the bullfight and spectators watched with pure admiration.”
One hundred years later, at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport over 50 airline companies connect Málaga with more than 100 destinations around the world. Over the past century, approximately 400 million passengers have passed through the airport (including more than 19 million in 2018).
Check out our comprehensive guide to the main services and amenities at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.