Spanish Airport Records Highest August Passenger Numbers Amid Protests

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport has reported its highest passenger numbers for August, handling a remarkable 2,862,372 travelers over the month. This significant increase occurred despite ongoing protests against overtourism in various Spanish cities, including Málaga. The airport, located 8 km southwest of Málaga and 5 km north of Torremolinos, serves as a vital hub for the Costa del Sol region, which remains a popular destination for British and German holidaymakers.

According to airport operator Aena, the number of flights also reached a record high, with 19,286 different flights recorded during August. This represents a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year. British tourists constitute a significant proportion of the airport’s traffic, with just under 700,000 passengers arriving from the UK last month. Other notable markets included Germany with 213,215 passengers, France at 168,392, and Italy with 140,884 travelers.

The rise in tourism has reignited tensions between visitors and local residents, who have voiced concerns over the rising cost of living attributed to increased visitor numbers. Protests against overtourism have gained momentum in cities such as Barcelona, Ibiza, and Majorca. Demonstrators assert their opposition is not against tourism itself, but rather against the overwhelming number of visitors that strain local resources. One protester stated, “Our goal is not to stop tourism, because it’s also good, but to have it at a normal rate,” when discussing their demands with BBC News.

In response to these concerns, both national and local authorities have initiated measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism. For instance, Barcelona has announced plans to phase out 10,000 apartments licensed for short-term rentals by 2028 to ensure more housing availability for permanent residents. In Málaga, authorities have imposed restrictions on new holiday rentals in specific areas of the city.

Additionally, the Spanish government has proposed introducing a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU residents. These measures indicate an effort to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to preserve the quality of life for local residents.

As the summer season wraps up, the ongoing dialogue between authorities, residents, and the tourism industry remains crucial in shaping the future of travel in Spain. The record-breaking figures at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport reflect a robust tourism sector, but they also highlight the pressing need to address the challenges that come with it.