Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

Palma de Mallorca Airport (IATA: PMI, ICAO: LEPA), also known as Aeroport de Son Sant Joan, is the primary international gateway to the island of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. As Spain's third-busiest airport, it is a critical hub for European tourism, accommodating millions of leisure travelers, with its operational peak occurring during the summer high season.

The airport's development is directly linked to Mallorca's growth as a major holiday destination. The current facility at Son Sant Joan officially opened for commercial traffic on July 7, 1960, replacing a smaller aerodrome to handle the burgeoning tourism industry. It has since undergone significant expansions, including the opening of its current main terminal building in 1997, designed to manage the substantial increase in passenger numbers.

Situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of the Palma city center, the airport is highly accessible. The Ma-19 motorway provides a direct road link for those traveling by rental car, private vehicle, or taxi. For public transport, the EMT A1 bus line is a popular and efficient option, offering a frequent service connecting the airport directly to Palma's city center and port.

Operationally, PMI is dominated by international flights from across Europe, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom, alongside a robust network of domestic connections. It is a major seasonal base for numerous low-cost and charter airlines, including Ryanair, Eurowings, Vueling, and Jet2.com. In 2023, the airport handled nearly 31.1 million passengers, cementing its status as one of Europe's busiest summer airports.

The facility features a single, large passenger terminal divided into four modules: A, B, C, and D. Module A typically serves non-Schengen area traffic, while Modules C and D handle the bulk of Schengen and domestic flights. Module B is smaller and used seasonally. Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a wide array of amenities, including extensive duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants and cafes, car rental services, and several VIP lounges available for eligible travelers.

For those traveling through PMI, it is advisable to arrive two to three hours before departure, especially between June and September, to allow ample time for check-in and security screening. The terminal is expansive, so passengers should account for walking time to their departure gate. The A1 bus provides a reliable and economical transfer to the city, and pre-booking rental cars or private transfers is recommended during peak periods.