Palma Airport (PMI) - Your Gateway to Mallorca
PMI's history traces back to the early 20th century when the Spanish Government's interest in airmail led to the establishment of an air mail line to the Balearic Islands.
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Palma de Mallorca Airport, known by many as Son Sant Joan Airport or simply PMI, stands as an impressive gateway to the stunning island of Mallorca. An international airport, PMI is situated a mere 8 km east of Palma, Mallorca's capital, nestled next to the village of Can Pastilla. The airport serves as the primary base for the Spanish carrier Air Europa and is a focal point for several other major airlines, including Eurowings, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, and Vueling1.
A Rich History
PMI's history traces back to the early 20th century when the Spanish Government's interest in airmail led to the establishment of an air mail line to the Balearic Islands. In 1921, Aeromarítima Mallorquina initiated the postal line Barcelona - Palma, utilising seaplanes in the port of Palma de Mallorca. Trials for this venture were completed in two flat fields: Son Sant Joan and Son Bonet, which were later selected for the construction of aerodromes1.
In 1934, the company Aero-Taxi de Mallorca was founded with the intention of introducing tourist flights to the island, leading to the establishment of a flight school in Son Sant Joan and, a year later, another in Son Bonet1. By 1935, LAPE (Líneas Aéreas Postales Españolas), a predecessor of Iberia, had been established, and soon after, the first regular air route between Madrid and Palma was launched, with a stop at Valencia1.
Over the years, Son Bonet evolved into the main civilian airport on the island, while Son Sant Joan began to be used more by the military. This division of use set the stage for the creation of Son Sant Joan Air Force Base, which limited further civilian enterprises at the aerodrome1.
In 1954, the runway was enlarged and paved to accommodate F-86 Sabre fighters, marking the diversion of the Palma - Llucmajor road. During this period, the first paved taxiways and aprons were built, and Son Bonet welcomed the first large groups of European tourists via airlines such as BEA, Air France, and Aviaco1.
The Birth of an International Airport
The increase in traffic and the inability to enlarge Son Bonet prompted the authors of the 1958 National Airport Plan to propose building a large civilian airport near the Son Sant Joan airbase. The National Airport Council approved this plan the following year, marking the birth of what is today known as the Palma de Mallorca Airport. Commercial traffic was transferred from Son Bonet to Son Sant Joan, a terminal and a civilian apron were built south of the military facilities, along with a VHF communication centre. Also, a VOR was installed on the island1.
By 7th July 1960, the airport was opened to both domestic and international traffic. Just two weeks later, the government declared the expansion of the airport urgent, and by summer 1961, the works of extension of the runway and taxiway had begun.
The 1960s and 70s saw rapid growth and development at PMI. The airport continued to expand, with the runway being extended to 3,000 metres in 1965 and then to 3,200 metres in 1972. The terminal was also expanded, increasing the airport's capacity to cope with the ever-growing number of passengers. By the end of 1972, PMI was handling more than 5 million passengers per year, cementing its position as one of the busiest airports in Spain.
In 1974, a new passenger terminal was opened, and the airport saw its first direct transatlantic flight to New York. The following years saw the arrival of more international carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM, further enhancing PMI's reputation as a major international airport. By the end of the 1970s, PMI was handling more than 10 million passengers per year, a testament to its growing popularity as a gateway to the Mediterranean.
Into the 21st Century and Beyond As PMI entered the new millennium, it continued to grow and evolve. In 2002, a new terminal building, Terminal A, was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to over 25 million passengers per year. This was followed by the opening of Terminal C in 2005, further expanding the airport's capacity.
In 2012, the airport underwent a major renovation, which included the construction of a new control tower and the expansion of the terminal building. The renovation also saw the introduction of state-of-the-art technology, including self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage handling systems, and advanced security screening equipment.
Today, Palma de Mallorca Airport stands as a testament to the growth and development of Mallorca as a major tourist destination. It is more than just an airport; it is a symbol of the island's vibrant economy and culture. Serving millions of passengers each year, from all corners of the globe, PMI continues to evolve and adapt, ready to welcome the world to the beautiful island of Mallorca.
