Marbella is the crowning jewel of coastal Spain, attracting affluent jet-setters and celebrities from all over. Residents here experience an exceptional quality of life thanks to Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class leisure facilities, and exclusive luxury homes.
Marbella is connected internationally via Málaga Airport, located farther along the coast in Málaga.
Plans to expand Málaga Airport were announced in June 2025 by aena (the leading airport operator in Spain), with the development expected to receive a total investment of €1.5B.
But the expansion goes beyond making it look updated and new – it’s a bold statement highlighting the growth of the Costa del Sol, especially its real estate appeal. So, how is Málaga Airport’s expansion influencing the Marbella property market?
Why Málaga Airport Matters to the Marbella Property Market
Málaga Airport is the chief gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol, located just 45 minutes from Marbella by car. According to aena, 26.8 million passengers passed through in 2025, making it Spain’s fourth busiest airport behind Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.
It’s well known that a modern and more streamlined international airport helps to increase local property value, as it makes getting to and from the area easier.
Given the residential appeal of the Costa del Sol, and in particular Marbella, updating Málaga Airport and transforming it into the ultimate international hub will most likely boost home values across the region.
What the Airport Expansion Involves
Málaga Airport’s expansion is part of Aena’s DORA III national investment plan to modernise Spanish airports, increase capacity, and improve sustainability.
The plan is worth €10-€13 billion, and Málaga is expected to receive the third largest share behind Barcelona-El Prat (€3.2B) and Madrid-Barajas (€2.4B). This shows how valuable it is to Spain’s economic growth.
Here’s what’s happening:
- The surface area of the airport terminal space will be doubled, increasing from the current 80,000m² to a vast 140,000m².
- Upgrades to check-in, border control and security areas to speed up operations and boost efficiency. Security screening will be ultra-modernised with next-generation screening technology.
- 515% expansion of departure passport control – essential for UK and non-Schengen flights.
- Demolition of terminal 1 and the introduction of a new centralised boarding pier, streamlining international travel to and from non-Schengen areas.
Construction is expected to start in 2028-2029, and the expansion hopes to increase annual passenger capacity from its current 27 million to 36 million after its estimated completion in 2031.
How the Expansion is Already Shaping the Marbella Property Market
Stress-free travel for British buyers
The largest segment of foreign home buyers in Marbella is from the UK, who are attracted to the glitz and glamour of coastal life and the desirable Mediterranean climate.
However, post-Brexit, Brits now travel as non-Schengen passengers. In the current Málaga airport pre-expansion, this means longer queues due to boarding infrastructure and separate passport control areas.
Many British buyers interested in investing in the Marbella real estate market may currently feel that the long waits, bottlenecks and busyness are a pain point, especially if they travel to and from the Costa del Sol numerous times per year.
But with huge expansion and modernisation plans on the horizon, these frustrations will be alleviated, removing a significant roadblock between UK property buyers and their dream Marbella villa or apartment.
International buyer growth thanks to new routes
Málaga Airport currently connects to over 150 destinations, both domestic and international. Of the millions of passengers that pass through each year, most are UK, German, Dutch, French and Italian.
But with the anticipated terminal expansions, airlines can create new and direct routes to areas where Marbella property interest is on the rise, including North America, Asia and the Middle East.
This would make the Marbella real estate market even more competitive, as foreign buyers from further afield will have easy access to Andalusia without the hassle of having to catch multiple flights.
Property value increases with airport investment
Briefly mentioned earlier, there is a strong correlation between major airport investment and local property value growth.
Just look at Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai, for example. Since plans to expand and develop the airport into a major global hub were announced, property prices in nearby areas have experienced significant growth.
With improved airport infrastructure, such as terminal expansions and modernisation, the luxury Marbella property market benefits from better accessibility, greater visitor volumes and heightened international property demand.
Marbella property prices have more than doubled over the decade in which Málaga Airport grew from 14.4 million to 26.8 million passengers, while the Marbella lifestyle and favourable climate also play a significant role in attracting buyers; the link between airport growth and the market shouldn’t be ignored.
What This Means for Buyers Considering the Marbella Real Estate Market Now
If you’re looking to buy a property in coveted Marbella, you’ll be happy to know that the Málaga Airport expansion is only projected to improve the real estate market and raise property value in this coastal gem.
Even now, before the billion-euro airport development is complete, Marbella is already a well-established, in-demand luxury property residential hotspot. So, if you’re looking to relocate with your family, buy a holiday home in the sun or add to your property portfolio, Marbella is ideal given its proven demand and government backing.
Getting in Touch
As an experienced real estate agent in Marbella, our knowledgeable team at Beluxe Properties has an in-depth understanding of the local property market here in one of Europe’s most sought-after luxury property destinations. If you’re considering a property in Marbella and want to understand more about a specific area, whether it be Sotogrande, La Zagaleta or The Golden Mile, our team is happy to talk you through your options. Contact us online or call today.
