Málaga Airport Sees Record August Passenger Surge Amid Protests

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport has reported a record-breaking passenger count for August 2023, despite ongoing protests against overtourism in the region. The airport, located just 8 kilometers southwest of Málaga and 5 kilometers north of Torremolinos, handled a remarkable 2,862,372 passengers during the month. This figure, according to airport operator Aena, marks the highest number of travelers the airport has ever recorded in August and reflects a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Tourism continues to be a vital component of Spain’s economy, particularly in the Costa del Sol region, which has long been popular among British holidaymakers. Last month, nearly 700,000 passengers from the United Kingdom passed through Málaga Airport, solidifying the UK’s status as the dominant market for visitors. Other significant contributors to the traffic included travelers from Germany (213,215), France (168,392), the Netherlands (159,961), Italy (140,884), Belgium (101,696), Poland (86,584), and Morocco (83,404).

The surge in passenger numbers comes amid a backdrop of increasing discontent among local residents. In various Spanish cities, including Málaga, locals have voiced their frustrations regarding the impact of tourism on daily life. Many blame rising living costs and inflated accommodation prices on the influx of visitors. Protests have emerged, with demonstrators expressing a desire for a more balanced approach to tourism. One protester stated in June, “Our goal is not to stop tourism, because it’s also good, but to have it at a normal rate,” highlighting a call for sustainable tourism practices.

In response to these concerns, both national and local authorities have begun implementing measures to address the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism. For instance, Barcelona plans to phase out 10,000 apartments licensed for short-term rentals by 2028, aiming to increase housing availability for locals. Meanwhile, Málaga has enacted bans on registering new holiday rentals in specific areas of the city. Additionally, the Spanish government has proposed a significant 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU residents to deter speculation and protect local housing markets.

Despite the protests, the data from Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport indicates that tourists remain undeterred. The record-breaking month reflects a broader trend of an ever-growing tourism sector in Spain, one that remains a crucial pillar of the national economy. As the country navigates the challenges posed by overtourism, the balance between welcoming visitors and supporting local communities will be a critical area of focus in the months ahead.