Son Sant Joan becomes a major construction site: How Palma is organising the winter at the airport

Son Sant Joan becomes a major construction site: How Palma is organising the winter at the airport

When the espresso at the gate is still steaming in the early morning and suitcase wheels are humming across the floor, you'll increasingly hear jackhammers and the clatter of scaffold steps. Aena has announced extensive winter works at Palma airport, as reported in Así se convertirá el aeropuerto de Palma en una gran obra este invierno — and that means more than fresh paint: a multi-part construction zone with diverted routes, temporary closures and logistical reorganisation. For general background see Palma de Mallorca Airport on Wikipedia.

The key question: modernisation versus everyday usability

The central question is simple: how do you modernise Son Sant Joan without destroying the everyday flow of passengers, commuters, taxi drivers and suppliers? It is not just about a prettier terminal. It is about accessibility, functioning emergency routes and an operation that remains reliable even under construction noise.

What will happen on the site — in short

Planned works include new connections between arrival and departure levels, an elevated walkway to the car park, additional check-in modules, improved lighting at the counters and more boarding bridges in the extensions of Terminals A and D. Module D will get a new roof and a revised intermediate ceiling. The solarium terrace is to become a secured outdoor area with cafés and seating. And the taxi rank? It will move from the right to the left of the exit — a small rotation with a big effect for everyone who waits daily in front of the terminal. More background on the scope of these projects is available in Aeropuerto de Palma: La obra que sigue creciendo.

Who is particularly affected — and why that is often overlooked

At first glance the changes obviously affect holidaymakers: anyone flying needs to plan more time. But beneath that lie hidden problems. People with reduced mobility rely on reliable lifts and short routes. If diversions lead to stairs or wet ramps, a small annoyance quickly becomes a major problem. Taxi and shuttle companies must redesign routes; that means fewer trips per hour and longer waiting times in front of the terminal. Local reactions and on-the-ground experience are discussed in Aeropuerto de Palma: entre la suerte de la llegada y el caos – Son Sant Joan, como lo veo.

Small shops and cafés in the terminal live off the rhythm of flights and delivery windows. Noise, relocated access points and changed delivery times can reduce revenue. Also often forgotten: construction fences must not obstruct emergency routes. Emergency vehicles, catering suppliers and service crews need clear, immovable corridors — this is not a luxury but a safety requirement.

Practical consequences for travellers

Those flying in the coming weeks should expect delays. Check-in waiting times may vary, signage will change more frequently and construction noise will accompany some waiting times. Tip for travellers from Palma: check the latest information before you leave, ask transfer providers about changed pickup points and register assistance early if you have reduced mobility. An additional buffer of 30 minutes is advisable in many cases — and yes, a second coffee at the gate won't hurt.

What is often missing in public debate

Discussions quickly focus on visuals and completion dates. Less attention is given to concrete operational questions: how will construction phases be scheduled so that peak hours do not coincide with major works? Who is the local contact for taxi associations, shop operators and neighbours in Son Roca or Avinguda Joan Miró? And: what financial support is available for retailers who suffer revenue losses due to delivery bottlenecks?

Concrete opportunities — and how they should be used now

Of course the construction also brings improvements: more boarding bridges can speed up boarding processes, new check-in modules can reduce queues, and an attractive solarium terrace can make waiting times more pleasant. But for these benefits not to be felt only in years to come, pragmatic rules are needed now.

Our proposals for the coming weeks:

1. Interactive real-time maps: At entrances and online, site plans should show current construction sections, temporary routes and the new taxi rank. This saves drivers and travellers minutes of disorientation.

2. Fixed priority corridors: Permanent, weather-protected routes for people with reduced mobility as well as for emergency and service vehicles — these paths must not be subject to daily changes.

3. Coordination with taxi and shuttle associations: Pre-communicated transfer points, clear signage and a small information service at the exit so drivers do not get stuck in pickup chaos.

4. Noise and dust management: Schedule work windows so that morning and evening peak flights are minimally disturbed; protect sensitive shop fronts from dust.

5. Support for local businesses: Delivery windows, flexible delivery zones and information packages for shops so they can plan despite the construction.

6. An impact measurement system: KPIs such as average waiting time at the taxi rank, delivery delays and number of reported obstructions should be collected and published weekly.

A call for better coordination

On an island like Mallorca, the airport, taxi fleets, hotels and residents are closely intertwined. Good coordination is practical and appreciated: transparent schedules, regular updates in Spanish, Catalan, English and German and fixed local contacts would minimise frustration. For travellers this means in concrete terms: check information channels before departure, allow a little more buffer time and stay calm — construction sites end, good routes remain.

And for Mallorcans who hear the pounding of jackhammers daily: do not perceive the noise only as a disturbance, but also as a clear sign that Son Sant Joan is to become more modern. Until then: keep your eyes open, follow diversions and maybe really get an extra coffee — this time to fight the construction noise.