Malaga is about to experience a key transformation in its infrastructure network thanks to the approval of the project of the northern access to Málaga-Costa del Sol AirportThis long-awaited project promises to significantly improve connectivity and traffic flow toward one of the main gateways to southern Europe.
What does the project consist of?
The new northern access will directly connect the Mediterranean Highway (A-7) with the airport, through the MA-23 highwayThe route includes:
- A 1.7-kilometer stretch with two separate roads.
- A 250-meter viaduct which will save the Rebanadilla stream bed.
- A elliptical roundabout which will allow the connection with the western ring road and the airport area.
This represents an alternative to the current southern access (MA-21), which is highly congested during rush hour, which will benefit both local and international traffic.
Expected impact
Traffic decongestion
The current access to the airport, via the MA-21, is insufficient to handle the volume of vehicles, especially during peak periods. This new road will alleviate that pressure and improve the traveler experience.
Regional and international connectivity
With the new direct connection to the A-7, the airport will be better integrated into the national and international ground transportation network. This will facilitate travel for residents, tourists, and professionals alike.
Economic and logistical boost
Improved access will boost the development of the logistics and tourism sectors, two pillars of Malaga's economy. Furthermore, it will strengthen the airport's attractiveness as a logistics and passenger hub.
Planned schedule and next steps
Following the approval of the environmental impact report by the Ministry of Transport, published in the BOE of May 13, 2025, the next step will be the bidding and awarding of the works, with an estimated budget of 42.2 million euros.
Institutional reactions
The central government, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and the Malaga City Council have expressed their satisfaction with the unblocking of this project, highlighting its strategic importance for the development of the province. Business and tourism sector associations have also applauded this investment as a necessary and long-sought improvement.
In context: Malaga as a key logistics hub
This project is added to other strategic actions such as Logistics Network of Andalusia or the modernization of the Port of Malaga and the line of Cercanías C1, consolidating Malaga as a first-class logistics and tourism hub in southern Europe.
What does the new northern access entail?
The northern access to the airport is a planned infrastructure project to directly connect the MA-23 motorway with Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Currently, the MA-23 begins at the interchange formed by the MA-20 at Guadalmar and heads northwest, crossing the San Julián neighborhood and the MA-21 to reach the airport. The northern extension will connect with the MA-30 (A-7), providing an alternative and more direct route to the airport.
Expected benefits
- Traffic decongestionBy providing a new access road, the hope is to reduce the traffic load on the MA-21, which currently handles the majority of traffic to the airport.
- Improved connectivityThe direct connection to the A-7 will facilitate access from other regions, boosting mobility and tourism.
- Economic boostImproved road infrastructure can attract investment and foster economic development in surrounding areas.
Next steps
With the project approved, construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Local and regional authorities have highlighted the importance of this infrastructure for sustainable development and the modernization of Málaga's transportation system.
Conclusion
The construction of the new northern access to Málaga Airport is a key piece in the puzzle of the province's sustainable and competitive growth. Not only will it resolve immediate traffic problems, but it will also strengthen Málaga's role as a strategic hub for logistics, economic, and tourism flows in southern Europe.
The project to build the northern access road to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport has received the green light, marking a significant milestone in the improvement of the region's road infrastructure. This initiative seeks to ease congestion on current routes and facilitate more efficient access to the airport, benefiting both residents and visitors.
Sources consulted
https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2025-9373
https://www.transportes.gob.es/el-ministerio/sala-de-prensa/noticias/mie-14052025-1037
https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/gobierno-desbloquea-acceso-norte-aeropuerto-malaga_0_2003923017.html
