Honestly, if you haven't been through Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) lately, you’re in for a bit of a shock. It is massive. People often think of island airports as these dinky little airstrips where you walk across the tarmac to a tiny hut. Not here. This place handled over 31 million people last year, putting it right behind Madrid and Barcelona in the Spanish hierarchy.
It’s currently 2026, and the airport is finally emerging from a multi-year, €560 million facelift that has basically turned the terminal into a giant construction site for the better part of three years. If you’re flying in or out this season, you’ve gotta know that the old "fourth-floor security" routine is dead and buried.
The Big Shakeup: Security is Not Where You Remember It
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is following their muscle memory. For years, you’d check in on Level 2 and then hike up to Level 4 for security. It was a trek.
Now, the security checkpoint has been relocated down to Level 2. It’s right behind the check-in counters. This is a game-changer because the route is way more natural. No more escalator bottlenecks just to get your bags scanned.
What’s the deal with the new scanners?
They’ve finally rolled out those high-tech 3D scanners across the main lines. This means you don't have to pull your laptop out or fish for that Ziploc bag of toiletries anymore. Basically, you just drop your bag in the bin and go. It's faster, but don’t get too relaxed—the airport is still huge, and the walk to the gates can still take 15 to 20 minutes if you’re assigned to the far end of Module C.
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Getting Into Town: The 2026 Transport Reality
There is no train. I know, everyone wishes there was a sleek metro link to the city center, but it’s just not happening yet. You’ve basically got three real choices once you clear baggage reclaim on Level 0.
- The EMT Buses: Line A1 goes to the center of Palma (Plaça d'Espanya) and the port. Line A2 goes toward S'Arenal and the beach hotels. Tickets are about €5. You can usually tap your card now, which is a massive upgrade from the days of hunting for exact change in Euros.
- The TIB (Red and Yellow) Buses: If you aren't staying in Palma, look for the big Aerotib buses. These go straight to places like Alcúdia, Cala Millor, and Magaluf. They’re way cheaper than a taxi if you’re traveling solo.
- The Taxi Queue: Taxis are right outside. Expect to pay at least €25–€30 to get into Palma. There’s a minimum airport fare of roughly €14 regardless of how close your hotel is.
A weirdly useful tip: If you’re being picked up by a friend or a private transfer, there’s a new elevated walkway connecting the terminal to the car park. It’s supposed to be fully functional by March 2026. It saves you from dodging traffic on the ground level, which used to be a total nightmare during the July heat.
Navigating the Four Modules
The airport is shaped sort of like a hand with four fingers, which they call Modules. Where you go depends entirely on who you’re flying with and where you’re going.
Module A: The Non-Schengen Zone
This is mostly for flights to the UK, Ireland, and other countries outside the "borderless" zone. It's the northern part of the airport. They’ve recently added more e-gates for passport control, which has thinned out those legendary 2-hour queues we saw back in 2023. If you’re flying to London or Manchester, you’ll likely end up here.
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Module B: The Regional Tiny Zone
This is the smallest one. It’s mostly for inter-island hops to Ibiza or Menorca, or regional flights to the mainland. It doesn't have airbridges usually, so expect a bus or a short walk on the tarmac.
Module C: The Giant
This is the biggest module and where most of the big European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet live. It's a long walk. Seriously. If your gate starts with a C, do not linger in the duty-free area.
Module D: The Refurbished One
Module D was closed for a big chunk of late 2025 and early 2026 for a total roof and HVAC overhaul. It’s back online now with much better air conditioning. If you’re flying Air Europa or Lufthansa, you’ll often find yourself here.
Survival Tips for the Summer Peak
Mallorca in July and August is intense. The airport can feel like a pressure cooker.
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First, the food situation has changed. They’ve moved a lot of the dining options toward the front of the terminal, near the windows. There’s even a massive McDonald’s that claims to be one of the biggest in Europe, though honestly, I’d recommend hitting the local ensaïmada shops in the terminal if you want something that actually tastes like Mallorca.
Second, watch out for the right-hand side of the check-in hall. Construction has shifted there recently as they finalize the airline office relocations. It can get cramped. If you see a crowd, just keep moving toward the left where there's usually more breathing room.
Lastly, the "Silent Airport" policy is a thing. They don't announce every single boarding call over the speakers anymore to keep the noise levels down. You have to keep an eye on the screens. I’ve seen so many people miss flights because they were waiting for a voice that never came.
What to Do Before You Leave
If you’ve got some time to kill, don't just sit at the gate. The new commercial zone on the fourth floor (airside) has finally opened up. It’s got a lot more natural light than the old basement-feeling areas. Also, check out the windmill restoration project near the airport perimeter if you’re driving in—it’s a nice touch of local history right next to all that concrete and jet fuel.
Most people don't realize that Palma de Mallorca Airport actually shares runways with a Spanish Air Force base (Son Sant Joan). If you see some grey fighter jets taking off while you're waiting for your Boeing 737, don't panic. It's just the neighbors doing their thing.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check your module: Look at your boarding pass early. If it’s Module C, start walking the moment you clear security.
- Download the Aena app: It actually has a decent real-time map and tells you exactly how long the walk to your specific gate is.
- Book parking in advance: If you're a local or renting long-term, the seventh floor of the car park is now open with 750 extra spaces, but it fills up fast.
- Keep your liquids in your bag: Only if you're in the new security lanes on Level 2. If for some reason they reroute you to an older lane, you'll still need to pull them out.