Construction at Palma Airport: Taxi stand in front of the terminal moved to the left

Construction at Palma Airport: Taxi stand in front of the terminal moved to the left

For a few days now a small but noticeable detail has stood out at Palma Airport: the usual taxi stand directly in front of the central exit has been moved to the left. The reason is construction work at Terminal D — the roof, climate control and lighting systems are being renewed, and the terminal is expected to remain closed until April 2026. For most travelers this means: a few extra meters to walk, new signs to follow and occasional patience.

What exactly changed — and how it feels

The technical solution is simple: temporary closures on the forecourt, a new queue to the left of the main entrance, and more maneuvering by construction vehicles. On the day of the switch everything still seemed surprisingly orderly: suitcases rolled along, two taxi drivers quietly discussed in Catalan-Spanish the best position, and an airport employee in a yellow vest directed guests with practiced gestures. Still: a few meters can quickly feel heavy in the hectic airport rhythm.

Key question: Does the relocation have to be handled this way — and who is often insufficiently considered?

The spontaneous answer from many involved: Yes, it mostly works. The harder answer concerns those travelers for whom those few meters are not a small detour but a real obstacle: people with reduced mobility, older passengers, families with small children or travelers with several heavy suitcases. For them, the design of the temporary route determines waiting times, stress and safety.

What is often overlooked in public debate

Public discussion quickly focuses on signs and longer walking distances. Less visible are three points: the accessibility of temporary routes, coordination between airlines, ground staff and taxi associations, and advance information for special transfers. If mobility aids are not registered in advance, longer waits result. And construction traffic makes the forecourt during peak times (mornings 7:30–10:00, evenings 18:00–21:00) more confusing — a factor that rarely appears in short reports.

Concrete opportunities: What could be improved quickly

The situation does not require miracles, but pragmatic adjustments. Some suggestions that the airport management and authorities could implement in the short term:

1) Clear, multilingual signage: Large, highly visible directional signs in Spanish, Catalan, English and German instead of a small notice. That would reduce confusion for international visitors.

2) Prioritized assistance routes: A short, covered and wheelchair-accessible escort route, staffed by airport personnel when needed, would avoid a lot of stress.

3) Better digital information: Airlines and travel platforms should inform early — at check‑in, via app push or email: “Taxi stand on the left, Terminal D closed, flights via C.”

4) Closer coordination with taxi associations: Clear short‑stop zones and guidance during peak times prevent crowding in front of the forecourt.

5) Strengthen alternative options: More frequent airport buses during peak times and better signage to visitor car parks and park & ride zones relieve pressure on the forecourt.

Practical tips for arrivals and pick-ups

Anyone arriving at the airport in the coming weeks or picking someone up will save nerves with a few simple rules: allow a few extra minutes, follow the temporary signs and rather stop in a visitor car park than block the entrance. If you need mobility assistance: be sure to register in advance. And for those in a hurry: ride‑hailing services and airport buses still serve the usual stops and are often the more relaxed option.

What to watch

The announced closure until April 2026 leaves enough time for good coordination — if it happens. In the coming months it will become clear whether the diversion holds up during peak times or whether adjustments are needed. Important is: small measures (more staff during peak times, transparent communication, better signs) can have a big effect.

In the end it is a simple expectation: travelers want to arrive safely and with as little hassle as possible. A small sign at the entrance should not become a stumbling block. If airport management, airlines and local partners work together now, the temporary leftward relocation can become an orderly, even safer solution. And who knows — maybe the left route will one day really be the faster way. Until then: don’t run off at a slant — otherwise you may find yourself humorlessly standing in front of a sign. I saw that myself one windy morning while the construction machines hummed quietly and the seagulls circled above the forecourt.