Landing at Palma Mallorca Son Sant Joan Airport is a bit like walking into a massive, organized beehive that never quite sleeps. If you haven't been here in a year or two, you’re basically a first-timer again. Honestly, the place is undergoing such a massive structural facelift right now—a cool €560 million project—that even locals get turned around.
Most travelers think they know the drill. You land, you walk forever, you find a taxi. But with 2026 being the "final stretch" for major renovations, the layout you remember from 2023 or 2024 is mostly history. It's currently Spain's third busiest hub, and by the end of 2025, it clocked in at a staggering 33.8 million passengers. That’s a lot of people looking for the same exit.
✨ Don't miss: Overland Park Kansas Missouri: Why People Get the Border Totally Wrong
The 2026 Shift: What’s Actually New?
Let's talk about the big one: Security. Remember having to hike up to the fourth floor to get your bags scanned? That’s gone. Aena (the airport operator) finally moved the main security checkpoint to Level 2. It’s now right behind the check-in counters. It makes way more sense. You check your bags, turn around, and you’re basically at the scanners.
The best part? The new scanners mean you don't have to fish out your laptop or your 100ml liquids anymore. It’s a game-changer for speed. They’ve increased the capacity from 18 lanes to a whopping 48. If you’ve ever stood in a sweat-inducing queue in July, you’ll know why this matters.
Module Madness and Construction Closures
Right now, specifically through the early part of 2026, Module D is the one to watch. It’s been undergoing a total roof and HVAC overhaul. Most flights that usually go through D have been shifted over to Module C.
- Module A: This is where the non-Schengen flights (looking at you, UK and Ireland) usually live. It recently got a facelift and now hosts what is reportedly the largest McDonald's in Europe.
- Module B: The small fry. This is for inter-island hops to Ibiza or Menorca.
- Module C: The titan. This is the largest module and handles a massive chunk of the summer Schengen traffic.
- Module D: Currently the "construction zone" but set to reopen with more jet bridges to stop those annoying bus transfers.
Getting Out of There (Without Getting Ripped Off)
You’ve got your bags. Now what? The transport situation at Palma Mallorca Son Sant Joan Airport has changed slightly to keep the traffic from choking the terminal doors.
The Bus Strategy
If you’re heading into Palma city, the A1 bus is your best friend. It costs €5 and runs every 20 minutes. It drops you right at Plaça d'Espanya, which is the heart of the city's transport network.
For the beach resorts, look for the TIB buses (the yellow and red ones). They have their own station now.
- A11 goes to Peguera and Magaluf.
- A32 is the express to Alcúdia and Can Picafort.
- A42 heads toward Cala Millor.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are plentiful, but they aren't exactly cheap. Expect to pay between €25 and €30 for a trip to central Palma. If you're heading to the far north or east of the island, that number can easily climb past €100.
A weird quirk about Mallorca? Uber and Bolt exist, but they aren't always cheaper than a standard taxi due to local regulations. Sometimes they’re actually more expensive because they operate on a "pre-booked" luxury license. Honestly, just check the app first, but don't be surprised if the white taxi at the curb is the better deal.
Why the Size Matters (The "Long Walk" Factor)
You’ve probably heard people complain that Palma Mallorca Son Sant Joan Airport is too big. They aren't lying. From the check-in desk to the furthest gate in Module C, you could be walking for 15 to 20 minutes.
💡 You might also like: Mystic Pizza West Main Street Groton CT: Why This Spot Is Different Than the Movie Version
If you have mobility issues, do not wing it. Request "Sin Barreras" assistance at least 48 hours before you fly. They are actually quite good here, but the airport is 31 hectares—trying to "just walk it" when you have a bad knee is a recipe for a miserable start to your holiday.
The New Solarium Terrace
One of the coolest additions surfacing in 2026 is the new terrace "solarium." Aena realized that people trapped in an airport for three hours want some Mediterranean sun. This new area offers outdoor seating, cafes, and a place to actually breathe fresh air after you've cleared security. It’s a far cry from the cramped, windowless corridors of the old terminal.
Survival Tips for the Peak Season
If you're flying in or out during July or August, the airport handles over 150,000 people a day. It's chaotic.
- Download the Aena App: It sounds corporate, but it actually gives you real-time gate updates and, more importantly, tells you how long the security wait is.
- The 7th Floor Parking: If you're renting a car or being picked up, the main car park recently opened a new floor (Level 7) with 750 extra spaces.
- Food is Pricey: It's an airport, obviously. But since the renovation, more "local" spots like Es Rebost have opened up. It's better than a dry sandwich from a vending machine.
- Water Fountains: They exist! Look for them near the toilets. Bring an empty bottle through security and save yourself €4.
Beyond the Gates: The Future
By late 2026, the goal is for the airport to be carbon neutral. You'll see more solar panels on the roof of the car parks and more electric charging points for the ever-growing fleet of rental EVs on the island.
The investment isn't just about making it prettier; it’s about handling the sheer volume. Germany remains the biggest market (nearly 10 million passengers), followed by the UK. The airport is the lifeblood of the island, and these upgrades are basically heart surgery while the patient is still running a marathon.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your Module: Before you arrive, check your airline’s assigned module. If you’re in Module A or C, add an extra 15 minutes to your "arrival at airport" time just for the walk.
- Pre-book Transfers: If you are staying in Alcúdia or Cala d'Or, pre-booking a private transfer or a shared shuttle (like Hoppa or Shuttledirect) is almost always cheaper than a walk-up taxi.
- Liquid Rules: Double-check if your specific terminal lane has the new CT scanners. If you see the new high-tech machines, keep your liquids in your bag. If you’re in a legacy lane, the old 100ml-in-a-clear-bag rule still applies.