When to Arrive at Malaga Airport (Domestic & International Flights)
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain. This airport has three terminals; however, only two are operational.
As a result, I recommend arriving at Malaga Airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
Ryanair and Easyjet operate out of Terminal 2. Meanwhile, all other airlines operate out of Terminal 3. You can walk between Malaga Airport terminals quickly and easily if you need to.
When to Arrive at Malaga Airport?
I recommend arriving at Malaga Airport two hours before flights within the EU and three hours before flights outside the EU. This gives you enough time to:
- Check-in for your flight
- Drop your luggage
- Navigate through security
- Walk to your gate
In my experience, arriving at the airport a little early is always better. If you arrive at the airport late, you can feel rushed and even miss your flight.
Why Do You Need To Arrive Earlier For Flights Outside the EU?
You should arrive at Malaga Airport 3 hours before an international flight. This extra time is required for several reasons, including:
- Check visas & entry requirements.
- Immigration control
- Customs
Other Factors to Consider When Flying From Malaga Airport
Other factors you’ll want to consider when flying from Arrecife Airport include:
- How are you getting to the airport: Travelling to the airport by public transport? Then, allow extra time for any delays.
- The time of year you’re travelling: Events such as marathons or holidays can mean higher crowds.
- Checking in for your flight: If you need to check in in person, you may experience a queue at the desk.
- Dropping off bags: Allow extra time at the airport if you have checked luggage. Most bag drop locations close one hour before the flight’s departure (exact times vary).
Which Airline Uses Which Terminal at Malaga Airport
There are currently three terminals at Malaga Airport. However, Terminal 1 is closed to the public. Instead, only Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 serve passengers.
These are the airlines that depart from each terminal at Malaga Airport:
Terminal 2
- Easyjet
- Ryanair
Terminal 3
- Aer Lingus
- Air Berlín
- Air Europa
- Air Nostrum
- Air Transat
- Alitalia
- Akefly
- Arkia Isarelí Airlines
- BA CityFlyer
- Blu Air
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Bulgaria Air
- Easyjet
- Easyjet Switzerland
- El Al- Israel Airlines
- Estonian Air
- Europe Airpost
- Evelop
- Finnair
- Flybe
- Germanwings
- Iberia
- Jet2.com
- Jetairfly
- LOT-Polskie Linie Lotnicze
- Lufthansa
- Luxair
- Niki Luftfahrt
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Royal Air Maroc
- Ryanair
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- SmartWings
- Swiss International Air Lines
- TAP Portugal
- Thomson Airways
- Transaero
- Transavia.com
- Travel Service
- Turkish Airlines
- Vueling
- Wizzair
Hello
I’m flying from Malaga to Barcelona with a Vueling flight, can I drop my luggage the day before my flight?