Manage Your Business Flight Operations at Málaga International Airport (AGP)

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is a strategic gateway to southern Spain, serving as the primary hub for Andalusia’s tourism and business sectors. Located just 8 km southwest of Málaga city, AGP connects key economic zones like the Costa del Sol and Marbella, a global business aviation hotspot. In 2022, AGP handled 18.9 million passengers, with business aviation traffic growing 12% year-on-year, driven by its proximity to luxury resorts, corporate hubs, and international trade links.

Málaga International Airport (AGP) Terminal Operations & Runways

Málaga Airport features three adjacent terminals, though only two are currently in use, along with a General Aviation Terminal and a Cargo Terminal. Passengers can move between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 both landside and airside. The airport has three piers used by airlines: Pier B in Terminal 2 with 13 gates (seven with airbridges), Pier C in Terminal 2 with 10 gates (seven with airbridges), and Pier D in Terminal 3 with 20 gates (12 with airbridges). Pier B serves non-Schengen flights, Pier C primarily handles non-Schengen traffic but can accommodate Schengen flights when needed, and Pier D is dedicated to Schengen traffic. The terminals collectively have 164 check-in desks and 48 boarding gates, 26 of which have airbridges.

 

The General Aviation Terminal, also known as the private aviation terminal, is located near runway 31, adjacent to the N-340 motorway. Originally repurposed from the old passenger terminal building, it has been renovated and modernized since its opening on January 29, 1968, and now serves private jets.

 

Also, Málaga Airport (AGP) has two asphalt runways:

• Runway 13/31: Measures 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) with an asphalt surface.
• Runway 12/30: Measures 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) with an asphalt surface.

In 2023 (provisional), AGP handled 22,444,373 passengers, reflecting a 21.1% increase from 2022. Aircraft movements totaled 161,684, marking a 12.2% rise, while cargo volume reached 2,806 tons.

Landing Permits for Business & Non-Scheduled Flights at Málaga International Airport (AGP)

Spain mandates landing permits for all non-scheduled commercial and private business flights, including business jets. Permits are regulated by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA).

Non-Scheduled Commercial Flights (Business Jets under Commercial Ops)

Required if the flight involves paid passenger/cargo transport (non-private use).

 

• Documentation:
  • AESA permit application (via portal).
  • GENDEC (General Declaration) with flight details (departure/arrival, operator, crew, pax).
  • Valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or equivalent.
  • Third-party liability insurance (minimum €750,000 per passenger).
  • Noise certificate (ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 10/14 compliance).
  • Aircraft airworthiness certificate.
  • Crew licenses and medical certificates.

Private Non-Scheduled Flights (Business Jets for Private Use)

Permit exemption applies if the flight is non-commercial (no remuneration). However, prior notification to AESA is mandatory.

 

• Documentation:
  • GENDEC submission.
  • Proof of private status (e.g., owner/passenger declaration).
  • Insurance and noise certificates.

 

Flights from non-EU/Schengen countries require diplomatic clearance, which must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance and typically takes 3–5 business days to process. Standard permits, submitted via the portal, require 24–48 hours for approval.

Málaga International Airport (AGP) Slot Coordination & Peak Operational Hours

Málaga International Airport (AGP) is a Level 3 (Fully Coordinated) airport under IATA’s Worldwide Slot Guidelines. Slots are mandatory for all commercial and non-scheduled flights.

Slot Allocation Process

The slot allocation process is managed by the Spanish Slot Coordinator, through the SSIMT platform.

 

• Submission Deadlines:
  • Summer Season (Mar–Oct): Initial submissions due by mid-January.
  • Winter Season (Nov–Feb): Initial submissions due by mid-August.
  • Ad-hoc requests: Minimum 3 days prior (subject to availability).

 

Operators with at least 80% slot usage in the previous equivalent season retain priority under historical precedence. New entrants receive 50% of the remaining slots, while ad-hoc requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Critical Peak Times

Seasonal Peaks
June–September	Highest demand due to tourist traffic.
Easter Week & Christmas	Secondary peaks from holiday travel surges.
Daily Peaks
09:00–13:00 UTC (11:00–15:00 Local)	Commercial hub waves.
16:00–20:00 UTC (18:00–22:00 Local)	Evening leisure traffic.

Operational Constraints

Operational constraints include night restrictions from 23:00 to 06:00 local time, with noise-abatement procedures in place and a preference for RNAV (Area Navigation) / RNP (Required Navigation Performance) approaches. Stage 4/Chapter 14 aircraft are prioritized, while Stage 3 aircraft may face limitations. Taxiway delays are common during peak hours due to single-runway operations on RWY 13/31.

Practical Solutions for Slot Challenges

To navigate operational constraints effectively, Just Aviation advises early pre-coordination with handlers to secure slots during submission windows. For night restrictions (23:00–06:00 local), noise-abatement procedures apply, with RNAV/RNP approaches preferred, and Stage 4/Chapter 14 aircraft prioritized while Stage 3 may face limitations. To minimize delays, operators should target off-peak slots before 08:00 UTC or after 20:00 UTC. Additionally, due to common taxiway delays from single-runway operations (RWY 13/31), Just Aviation recommends considering contingency airports like Gibraltar (LXGB) or Seville (LEZL) if AGP slots are unavailable.

Málaga International Airport (AGP) Ground Handling Facilities & Services

AGP’s ground handling infrastructure supports efficient turnarounds, but proactive planning is critical during peak tourist seasons (Jun–Sep).

Fuel Availability

Jet A-1 is available 24/7 via a hydrant system and bowser, while AVGAS is not available at AGP; operators requiring AVGAS must coordinate with third-party suppliers for trucking, with at least 24 hours’ advance notice recommended. Uplift requests should be submitted through the assigned ground handler at least 12 hours before arrival. Fuel testing is available on request, with samples provided per ASTM D1655 standards. A signed Fuel Handling Agreement (FHA) or an operator-issued fuel order is required for fuel release.

 

Note: AGP prioritizes hydrant refueling for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Business jets typically use bowser trucks to avoid ramp congestion.

Ramp Handling & Ground-Related Operations

AGP’s apron (Code E) accommodates aircraft up to ICAO Code E (e.g., B787, A330). Business jets typically park at East Apron (General Aviation Stands) or Remote Stands during peak hours.

 

Aircraft ground services at AGP include visual marshalling (hand signals) or VDGS at select contact stands with limited availability. Follow-me vehicles assist with remote parking. Pushback and towing services are available for all aircraft types up to Code E, with tugs exceeding 50-ton capacity for heavy jets.

 

Deicing and anti-icing operations are rarely needed due to mild winters, with Type I fluid available through third-party providers upon request at least two hours in advance. Lavatory servicing includes chemical toilet maintenance via vacuum trucks, with black/grey water disposal compliant with EU environmental regulations.

 

Potable water, treated per the EU Drinking Water Directive, is supplied via dedicated water trucks upon request during handling arrangements. Ground power options include 28V DC and 115V AC units, with fixed 400Hz electrical supply at contact stands and mobile GPUs for remote stands.

 

Pneumatic air services feature high-pressure air carts (110 psi) for engine starts. Cargo handling for business jets is limited to manual loading/unloading, while palletized cargo requires prior approval, with a maximum weight of 3,175 kg per pallet.

 

Note: Ramp handling may experience delays between 09:00–13:00 UTC due to high commercial traffic. Night operations (23:00–06:00 local) have reduced staffing, so all services should be requested in advance.

Additional Operational Notes

Hangar space for business jets is limited and should be pre-booked at least 72 hours in advance, with overnight parking typically on the apron as heated hangars are unavailable. Waste management follows EU Regulation 2018/858, requiring segregated disposal for hazardous waste and mandatory recycling for cabin waste. Security measures include crew and passenger screening at GA terminal checkpoints per EU 2015/1998 regulations, with armed police patrols on the apron—filming or approaching them is not permitted.

 

At Just Aviation, we specialize in seamless flight support solutions tailored to your operational needs. From landing permits and slot coordination to ground handling, fuel planning and safety ramp operations, our expertise ensures smooth operations at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and beyond. Trust us to navigate the complexities of business aviation, delivering precision and reliability at every stage. Let us elevate your journey—because your success is our mission. Just Aviation: Your partner in the skies.