Construction at Palma Airport: Taxi Rank Relocated, Terminal D Closed – What Travelers Need to Know

Loud hammers, new routes: Palma Airport in construction mode

If you arrive at Palma Airport in the morning, you hear it immediately: the knocking of workers, the hum of machines and the brief announcements rolling across the forecourt. It's no surprise that Aena has simply reorganized the taxi rank directly at the arrivals terminal. Instead of keeping right as usual, taxis must now drive left. For some it's a small detour, for others a real stress test.

The guiding question

Could the reorganization have been better planned and communicated earlier? Incoming passengers were surprised, airport staff juggled new procedures, and taxi drivers did extra laps. Behind this pragmatic description lies a political and logistical question: who has the better view of travel comfort — the planners in the office or the people who carry suitcases, push trolleys or wheelchairs every day?

What is happening specifically?

The outdoor area of the arrivals section is undergoing comprehensive renovation. Roof, climate and lighting systems are being renewed, materials and safety zones require space. Terminal D is expected to remain closed until April; flights planned there are now operating through Terminal C. Consequences: more luggage trolleys in the corridors, longer transfer routes and denser pedestrian traffic — precisely at the time the island finds its summer rhythm.

The silent losers: accessibility and taxi companies

Everyone talks about changed routes, but hardly anyone about accessible solutions. People with reduced mobility are particularly affected: additional routes, makeshift ramps, longer waiting times — this is not only inconvenient, it is a hardship. On hot days a short walk quickly becomes a sweaty march, accompanied by the dust from construction fences and the rare shade of an improvised sun canopy.

On the other hand are the taxi companies. Schedules, meeting points and apps had to be adjusted within days. Not every fleet immediately has functioning updates in radios or app systems; drivers change shifts to avoid traffic jams. For locals this sounds familiar: a taxi driver at the coach station murmurs, wiping the heat crease from his shirt, that one can "just improvise" — but improvising costs time and money.

The island feels it

The construction site at the airport creates a domino effect: delivery vehicles block access roads, bus lines detour, queues form at peak times. Guests looking for a taxi after a long flight take this unrest as their first impression of Mallorca. A small annoyance that adds up — and becomes a big issue in the midday heat.

Critical points often overlooked

The planning hardly highlights central questions: Why don't the works start in months with less traffic? How are people with limited mobility guided barrier-free from the car park or coach station? And where is the transparent communication to those who order taxis in advance or use transfer apps?

Improvements that can be implemented immediately

- Clear, multilingual signage already at the coach station and car park P1. If orientation begins before the terminal, fewer people get lost.

- A covered, clearly marked meeting point for travelers with reduced mobility and families. A temporary shelter with seating would provide great added value.

- Coordination with taxi associations and app providers so meeting points are communicated in advance. This reduces radio chaos and unnecessary loops.

- More staff at the exits during peak times and mobile info points. People need a hand to show them the way — especially with strollers or heavy luggage.

Practical tips for travelers

A few simple rules save nerves: follow the yellow signs and instructions from airport staff; plan an extra 30–45 minutes for departures; agree the meeting point with the taxi in writing or via app before arrival; use the internal airport shuttle between C and the main area if possible; and bring a bottle of water on hot days — construction dust and the sun make you thirsty quickly.

The chance behind the noise

Despite everything, the project holds real potential: a new roof, more modern lighting and more efficient climate systems can make the airport quieter, brighter and more energy-efficient in the long term. That affects the arrival experience — less heat buildup in summer, friendlier waiting areas and perhaps a relaxed coffee at Terminal C instead of hectic hauling.

Until then: more patience from travelers, more transparency from Aena and more pragmatism from service providers. Better, clearer communication and a few quick measures would make the coming period considerably more bearable. And who knows — in a few months people may stroll again through a noticeably fresher airport and smile about the detour while the workers have long packed away their tools.