Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also called Son Sant Joan Airport, serves as the main gateway to Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands. Located just 8km (5 miles) from the capital city of Palma, it’s the third largest airport in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, handling over 33 million passengers annually.
Managed by Aena, which operates Spain’s airports, PMI features one primary terminal with four connected modules that make navigation relatively straightforward. I’ve always enjoyed my travels through this modern airport, though being in lovely Mallorca certainly helps.
Getting to and from the airport
The best way to explore the natural beauty of Mallorca is by renting a car. You’ll find several car rental services landside after baggage claim, including Avis-Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Hertz, OK Mobility, Record go, and Sixt.
Travel desks nearby offer tourist services to help plan your activities. When you’re done with your rental, return it in the General Car Park building opposite the terminal – different companies use different levels, so check with your provider for the exact location.
If you’re not planning on driving, no sweat. Taxis are lined up right outside the terminal, and there’s a special pickup spot for pre-booked rides inside the Arrivals Hall. For a more budget-friendly option, the Linea A1 bus will take you straight to the city center of Palma from the new central bus terminal located between the Arrivals terminal and the car park. My two cents? If you’re hauling a lot of luggage, spring for the taxi or a rental car.
Arrivals at Palma de Mallorca
When you arrive at PMI, your plane will dock at one of four modules connected to the main terminal. Three modules have jet bridges, though some flights park remotely and bus passengers to the terminal. Expect about a 10-minute walk from your module to the terminal, with moving walkways available.
Documents and passport control
Palma operates as a Spanish airport in the Schengen Zone, so passengers from outside this zone must pass through passport control with a valid passport (and possibly a visa or entry permit. US citizens and others from visa-free countries should note the changing requirements, as you’ll need to obtain an ETIAS entry permit before traveling through the Schengen Zone in the near future.
Baggage claim
The baggage claim is on the ground floor, and in my experience, the bags come out pretty fast. You can grab a free luggage trolley to haul your stuff to the taxi stand or bus stop just outside.
Departures at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Airline check-in desks for departures are on level 2 of the terminal. Most airlines let you check in electronically before arriving, and if you’re only carrying hand luggage, you can head straight to security and your gate.
Some airlines have automated kiosks at the airport for printing boarding passes, and you can drop checked luggage at the airline desk. Monitors throughout the terminal help you locate the check-in area for your airline.
The process is usually pretty quick, but it’s a popular place, so expect lines during peak season. If you get there with time to kill, there are some shops and cafes pre-security. My favorite insider tip? The airport has a solarium terraza for some last-minute sunshine and fresh air, though it may have restricted access during ongoing construction.
Getting through security
Once you’re checked in, head to security on level 2. After that, it’s a walk to the module for your gate, made easier by moving walkways. If you’re hopping over to Ibiza or Menorca, your flight will likely leave from Module B, which uses the same security checkpoint on level 2. As a quick side note, if you want to visit the island paradise of Formentera, there is no airport. You can get there by ferry from Ibiza.
Airlines serving Palma de Mallorca Airport
Dozens of airlines fly to and from PMI, mostly European flagship and low-cost carriers offering 1-stop connections worldwide. Spain’s flagship carrier Iberia operates through its Iberia Express regional carrier, while Air Europa is actually based in Llucmajor, Mallorca.
Air Europa flies to Miami and New York with one stop in Madrid, and United Airlines offers one-stop flights through a Lufthansa codeshare. You’ll also find holiday carriers like TUI and several low-cost options including easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.
Shopping, food and lounges
Once you’re past security, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. I’ll admit, I usually just grab a coffee and people-watch, but if the terminal is packed, the lounges are a solid escape.
Shopping
Prepare your wallet. PMI has the Mallorca Duty Free shop on level 4, plus Express Duty Free shops in Modules C and D, and another Mallorca Duty Free in Module A. You can also grab last-minute souvenirs, a book for the beach at WHSmith, or a new pair of sunglasses, which you’ll definitely need.
Food and drinks
You won’t go hungry here. There’s a good mix of cafes, fast-food joints (yes, Burger King and McDonald’s are here), and bars. For a local treat, look for a place selling ensaïmadas, a traditional spiral pastry. It’s the perfect taste of Mallorca to take with you.
Lounges at Palma de Mallorca airport
Palma de Mallorca has four pay-for-access lounges, all operated by Aena. The Mestral VIP Lounge is in Module B (ground floor, for inter-island flights), with additional lounges in Module A (Llevant VIP, first floor), Module C (Mediterranean VIP), and Module D (Formentor VIP, ground floor – though this one is temporarily closed due to ongoing works).
Book your lounge spot on the Aena website in advance. You’ll pay less, and you won’t risk getting turned away because there’s no space available.
Getting the VIP treatment at Palma de Mallorca
If you’re looking to travel like a rock star (or just avoid the crowds), Aena offers a Premium VIP service. It comes with a separate exterior arrivals terminal, private check-in, and a car directly to your plane. You can book it through the Aena website if you’re feeling fancy.
The Aena Airport app is your friend
While Palma de Mallorca has excellent signage, I recommend downloading the Aena airport app (available for iOS and Android). The app helps with wayfinding using live GPS tracking to pinpoint your location, and the map shows services near you and throughout the airport.
You’ll also get timely flight updates so you know when to head to your gate, and you can book personal assistance for mobility support. VIP services, including fast-track screening, can be purchased through the Aena website. Since the app works for all 43 Aena-managed airports in Spain, it’s handy for traveling through various cities.
Getting connected at the airport
The airport has free, unlimited Wi-Fi that’s fast enough for all your pre-flight scrolling and email checking. If you don’t have your laptop handy, you’ll find several free-to-use PC terminals inside the airport. Like the rest of Spain, Mallorca is well connected, and you won’t have trouble finding free Wi-Fi at your hotel, restaurants and cafes throughout the island. However, Mallorca’s natural beauty may inspire you to disconnect.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
