Melilla Airport (MLN) Guide 2025: Flights, Destinations, and Essential Services
Melilla Airport (MLN/GEML) serves as the vital aviation gateway to Melilla, a captivating Spanish autonomous city located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. Strategically positioned, the airport connects this unique enclave—famous for its impressive historic fortifications, Melilla la Vieja, and rich Modernista architectural heritage—to mainland Spain and the broader European Union. As a crucial regional hub, the airport has seen continuous growth, handling record passenger numbers as it solidifies its role in connecting the city to key Spanish destinations.
General Information & Location: Melilla’s Key Statistics
Melilla Airport is conveniently located just a short distance from the city centre, offering quick access for travellers. The airport is owned and operated by Aena, Spain’s airport authority, and is known for its efficient, regional operations.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | Melilla Airport (Aeropuerto de Melilla) |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | MLN / GEML |
| Location | Approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) from the city centre, situated near the Spanish-Moroccan border. |
| Coordinates | 35° 16′ 48” N, 2° 57′ 20” W |
| Operator | Aena (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea) |
| Annual Traffic (2024) | 508,000 passengers (A record-breaking figure, demonstrating sustained growth) |
| Airfield Limitation | Due to a runway length of 1,433 meters and airport category, operations are primarily limited to turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 72. |
| Entry Requirement | Melilla is part of Spain and the Schengen area; standard Schengen entry requirements apply. |
Airlines and Destinations: Expanding Connectivity
Melilla Airport specialises exclusively in domestic Spanish connections, acting as a lifeline between the city and the Iberian Peninsula. The airport has recently reached an all-time high in the number of routes offered.
| Feature | Detail |
| Main Carrier | Iberia Regional / Air Nostrum (The sole scheduled passenger airline operating from MLN) |
| Aircraft Type | Primarily ATR 72/42 turboprop aircraft |
| Key Destinations (2025) | 9-11 Domestic Spanish Destinations, including: Málaga, Madrid, Granada, Almería, Seville, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), and Tenerife North. Seasonal routes often include Santiago de Compostela and Asturias. |
| New Route (2026) | A new direct route to Valencia (VLC) is scheduled to begin in February 2026, further expanding the network. |
| Busiest Routes | Málaga, Madrid, Granada, and Almería continue to be the most popular routes by passenger volume. |
| Longest Route | The flight to Gran Canaria (LPA) is currently the longest scheduled route from MLN. |
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Melilla Airport operates a single terminal building designed for efficient handling of regional traffic. While small, the terminal offers essential services to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
- Terminal: One compact, multi-level terminal.
- Dining and Retail: Basic cafe/bar facilities are available for light snacks and refreshments. Limited retail options focused on essentials.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the terminal.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully equipped with facilities and services to ensure disabled access.
- Payment: All transactions within the airport are primarily conducted in Euros (EUR).
- Lost Property: For lost items within the terminal, the airport’s dedicated lost property contact number is +34 913 211 000.
- Car Rental: Rental desks are conveniently located in the arrivals area, with international and local companies such as Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis often available.
Transportation and Parking at MLN Airport
The airport is excellent connected to the Melilla city centre, ensuring a fast and inexpensive transfer for passengers.
| Method | Duration to Melilla City Center | Estimated Cost | Notes & Providers |
| Taxi | ~5 minutes | Approximately €10 | Local Taxi Services; the fastest and most direct option. |
| Bus | ~10 minutes | Approximately €1 | Local Bus Services offer a very economical connection to the city. |
| Car Rental | N/A | Varies by company | Convenient for exploring the surrounding area, booking in advance is recommended. |
| Parking | N/A | Around €5 per day | Short-term and long-term parking facilities are managed by Aena. |
Contact and Operating Information
For official inquiries and flight status updates, refer to the details below:
| Detail | Contact Information |
| Address | Carretera de Yasinen s/n, E-18305 Melilla, SPAIN |
| General Telephone | +34 902 404 704 |
| Official Website | www.aena.es (Look for Melilla Airport section) |