Palma de Mallorca Airport Security Wait Times & PMI Queue Guide 2026
Palma de Mallorca Airport security wait times by hour, day and module. PMI queue estimates for Modules A, B, C and D, Aena Fast Lane priority access, 3D scanner rules, summer peak hours and the quietest windows to fly. Spain’s third busiest airport by passenger volume, serving 33.3 million passengers in 2024.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Security Wait Times Today
The Palma de Mallorca Airport security wait times below show the typical PMI queue for this hour and day of week. Palma Airport (PMI/LEPA), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is Spain’s third busiest airport and one of Europe’s most concentrated leisure hubs, handling 33.3 million passengers in 2024 across a single terminal divided into four modules. Wait times at PMI security vary considerably by module, Schengen status, time of day and the summer season, which compresses enormous passenger volumes into a five-month window from May to October.
How Long Is Security at Palma de Mallorca Airport?
Security wait times at Palma Airport are heavily shaped by the seasonal nature of the airport. In the off-peak winter period from November to March, passenger volumes drop sharply and most travellers clear PMI security in under 10 minutes. Between May and October, particularly from late June to early September, Palma Airport operates at close to maximum capacity. During the morning peak between 06:00 and 10:00 in summer, waits of 30 to 60 minutes in the standard lane are common, and queues at Module A (UK and Ireland departures) can compound this with an additional passport control step.
The November 2024 renovation significantly changed the security experience at PMI. Security screening was moved from level 4 to level 2 of the terminal, immediately after check-in, eliminating the escalator journey that previously added friction to the process. Eighteen security lanes were opened initially, with 44 planned to be operational by summer 2025. The airport director stated publicly that the target at peak times is a maximum of 10 minutes at the checkpoint. These are ambition figures rather than a guaranteed cap, but they reflect a genuine operational improvement over the 2022 and 2023 summers when queues regularly exceeded an hour at PMI.
Palma Airport Security History and the 2024 Renovation
Palma de Mallorca Airport’s security operation has undergone its most significant transformation in decades as part of a wider remodelling project running from 2022 through to 2026. The centrepiece of the security reform was the November 2024 move of all screening from the fourth floor to the second floor, directly adjacent to check-in. At the same time, Aena rolled out 3D computed tomography scanners across the new security lanes. These allow passengers to pass through without removing laptops, tablets or other electronics from their bags, and without presenting liquids separately for screening.
The renovation also introduced the Automated Tray Return System (ATRS), which keeps trays moving automatically and diverts bags flagged for secondary screening without blocking the main queue. This change alone removes one of the most common friction points at busy resort airports, where secondary checks on hand luggage during peak summer previously caused upstream queues to stall for minutes at a time.
The 100ml per container liquid limit still applies at PMI in 2026. While the 3D scanners mean you no longer need to remove liquids from your bag for the actual scan, you cannot bring containers larger than 100ml through security. Prescription medicines and baby food are exempt and should be declared at the checkpoint.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Security Wait Times by Module
Palma Airport operates as a single terminal building divided into four modules, each with its own boarding gates and flight type. Your module is determined by your airline and destination. Check your booking confirmation or the Aena departures board for your check-in row, which maps to the relevant module. Security screening for all modules takes place centrally on level 2 of the main terminal, with Fast Lane and standard lane access available at the same checkpoint area.
Module A Security (Non-Schengen, UK and Ireland Routes)
15 to 30 minutes off-peak, including the passport control step required for non-Schengen destinations. During the summer peak between 06:00 and 10:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, combined security and passport control time can exceed 60 minutes. Module A is the only module with air bridges (8 of its 28 gates).
Module A handles all non-Schengen departures including every flight to the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is the only module at PMI with double air bridges, and it is the only one not to be operational year-round. Module A typically opens for the summer season from April and closes around October or November as UK charter traffic winds down. Passengers using Module A must pass through both security and passport control before boarding, which adds time to the overall process. Always confirm your module assignment with your airline before travelling.
Module B Security (Domestic Regional Routes)
8 to 15 minutes off-peak. Module B handles a small volume of domestic regional traffic and is the quietest module at PMI. Flights to Menorca, Ibiza and mainland Spanish cities operate from here. Security uses the central level 2 checkpoint shared with other modules.
Module B is the smallest module at Palma Airport and operates exclusively for domestic regional traffic, primarily Air Nostrum flights to Menorca, Ibiza, Valencia, Asturias and Santiago de Compostela. It has 8 gates and no air bridges, so all boarding is via ground-level steps to the aircraft. Domestic passengers within Spain do not pass through passport control, making Module B the most straightforward security experience at PMI. Wait times here are consistently below the airport average.
Module C Security (Schengen European Routes)
10 to 20 minutes off-peak. Module C handles the highest passenger volume of any module and is the primary processing point for most European Schengen traffic. During summer morning peaks, expect 25 to 45 minutes in the standard lane. No passport control is required for Schengen destinations.
Module C is the backbone of Palma Airport, handling the bulk of its Schengen European traffic. It offers 33 gates and is the most heavily used module across the summer season. German, French, Dutch and Scandinavian leisure traffic concentrates here, alongside much of the Vueling and Iberia network. The absence of passport control makes Module C the most straightforward path through PMI security, and the 3D scanner rollout means most passengers can now pass through without removing anything from their hand luggage beyond anything larger than 100ml.
Module D Security (Mixed Routes)
12 to 22 minutes off-peak when operational. Module D has 19 gates and 10 air bridges, making it the most gate-equipped module relative to its size. It was closed from November 2025 for roof renovation and was due to reopen in April 2026. Confirm your gate assignment with your airline if your flight is assigned to Module D.
Module D closed on 4 November 2025 for an extensive roof renovation and interior refurbishment, with a planned reopening in April 2026 ahead of the summer season. If your airline has assigned a Module D gate, verify that the module is operational before you travel. During the closure, traffic was redistributed primarily across Modules A and C. Once fully reopened, Module D will offer Palma Airport’s most modern interior alongside its 10 air bridges, the highest number of any module at PMI.
Palma Airport Security Peak Hours and Best Times to Fly
The worst window for Palma de Mallorca Airport security wait times is 06:00 to 10:00 daily, with Saturday and Sunday mornings in summer by far the busiest combination. Mallorca operates on a weekly charter rhythm where most UK, German and Scandinavian holiday packages begin and end on Saturdays, creating an enormous two-directional surge of arriving and departing passengers every weekend from late June to early September. Sunday evenings also carry a significant outbound wave as short-break visitors return home.
The quietest windows for PMI security are 10:00 to 13:00 on weekdays from October to May. In summer, there is no genuinely quiet window during the daytime, but the late-evening period after 20:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday tends to produce the shortest waits. If your schedule is flexible, a midweek midday departure in shoulder season (May, June, September or October) will give you the most comfortable security experience at Palma Airport.
| Time of Day | Typical PMI Security Wait | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 to 10:00 | 30 to 60 min in summer (longer Sat/Sun) | Peak |
| 10:00 to 13:00 | 10 to 20 min (quieter in shoulder season) | Quiet |
| 13:00 to 17:00 | 15 to 25 min | Moderate |
| 17:00 to 20:00 | 20 to 35 min (busier on Sundays) | Moderate |
| 20:00 to 23:00 | 12 to 20 min | Quiet |
| 23:00 to 05:59 | Under 12 min | Quiet |
Palma Airport Priority Security Options
Palma de Mallorca Airport offers a dedicated Fast Lane at security on level 2 of the terminal, operated directly by Aena. Unlike some UK airports where fast track is sold exclusively through third-party booking platforms, the PMI Fast Lane is bookable through the official Aena VIP Services website at serviciosvip.aena.es. It is also included automatically for business class passengers and holders of qualifying airline loyalty status with certain carriers. There is no annual membership equivalent to schemes like Privium at Schiphol.
Recommended Arrival Times at Palma de Mallorca Airport
For Module A departures (UK, Ireland and non-Schengen flights), allow at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This covers check-in, security and passport control, with a reasonable buffer for summer queues. For Schengen European flights from Modules B, C or D, 2 hours is generally adequate in shoulder season. During July and August, add a minimum of 30 minutes regardless of destination and module. Hold baggage check-in at most PMI carriers closes 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
When Should I Leave for Palma de Mallorca Airport? Calculator
Enter your flight details below to get a recommended arrival time at Palma Airport. The calculator factors in the typical PMI security wait at your departure hour, module walk time, bag drop close time and a safety buffer.
Tips to Beat Palma Airport Security Queues
Beyond choosing the right departure window, a few practical steps can significantly reduce your time in the PMI security queue.
- Book the Aena Fast Lane in advance at serviciosvip.aena.es. This is the single most effective step for Module A and Module C passengers during the 06:00 to 10:00 summer peak. Book with your flight details and present the QR code at the Fast Lane reader on arrival at security.
- Check in online and use self-service bag drop. All major carriers at PMI offer online check-in. Dropping your bag at the automated desk rather than a staffed counter reduces landside time before you reach security.
- Pack liquids in your hold luggage. The 3D scanners at PMI mean you do not need to remove your liquids bag for the scan, but the 100ml per container limit still applies. Packing all liquids in hold baggage removes this restriction entirely and reduces the chance of a secondary check slowing you down.
- Know your module before you arrive. Check your booking confirmation for the check-in row, which indicates your module. Module A is non-Schengen, Module B is domestic, Modules C and D handle Schengen and mixed traffic. Walking to the wrong area before security costs time at a busy airport.
- Arrive earlier on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. The weekly charter rhythm at Mallorca Airport means Saturday and Sunday mornings are categorically different in scale from a midweek departure. If you are flying out on a Saturday in July or August, the standard two-hour recommendation is not sufficient for Module A.
- Use the Aena app to check crowd levels. The Aena app provides live busyness information for PMI and allows you to track conditions at the checkpoint before leaving your hotel or resort.
- Pre-book airport parking if you are driving. Walk-up parking at PMI is substantially more expensive than advance booking. The car parks closest to the terminal sell out on summer Saturdays. Book via aena.es to secure a space and a known rate.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Layout and Terminal Overview
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI/LEPA), officially known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is the main international gateway to the Balearic Islands and one of Europe’s busiest leisure airports. It handled 33.3 million passengers in 2024, making it Spain’s third busiest airport after Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat, and the fourteenth busiest in Europe. The airport is located 8 kilometres east of Palma city centre, in the municipality of Can Pastilla, and is operated by Aena.
The airport operates a single main terminal building divided into four modules (A, B, C and D). All check-in desks, security, gates and services are housed within this one structure. The terminal has over 200 check-in desks and approximately 70 boarding gates across all modules. The security checkpoint sits on level 2, directly after check-in, following the November 2024 renovation that restructured the passenger flow from the previous level 4 configuration. Module A, which handles UK, Ireland and non-Schengen flights, is the only module not open year-round, operating seasonally from approximately April to October. For a full layout guide and module-by-module breakdown, see our Palma Airport map and terminal guide.
PMI is the main base for Air Europa and a key focus airport for Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Eurowings and Vueling. The airport shares its two runways with the adjacent Son Sant Joan Air Force Base. Public transport to Palma city centre is available via the Line A1 bus (Plaza España, approximately 20 to 30 minutes). There is no direct rail link to the airport, though the metro and regional TIB train network is accessible from Plaza España by transfer.
Palma de Mallorca Airport Security — FAQ
How long is security at Palma de Mallorca Airport in 2026?
Security wait times at Palma de Mallorca Airport vary significantly by time of day and season. During off-peak windows on weekdays, most passengers clear PMI security in 10 to 20 minutes. During the early morning peak between 06:00 and 10:00 and throughout the peak summer season from late June to early September, waits of 30 to 60 minutes are common. Sunday mornings and evenings during school holidays are consistently the busiest windows. The airport targets a maximum of 10 minutes at security checkpoints during peak periods following the November 2024 renovation and 3D scanner rollout.
What is the Aena Fast Lane at Palma Airport and how does it work?
The Aena Fast Lane is the official priority security lane at Palma de Mallorca Airport, operated by Aena and bookable in advance via the Aena VIP Services website at serviciosvip.aena.es. It provides priority access to the security checkpoint on level 2 of the main terminal, ahead of the standard queue. At the Fast Lane entrance, passengers scan a QR code followed by their boarding pass. The service is also included for business class passengers and holders of qualifying airline loyalty status with certain carriers. Children under 5 travel free with an adult holding a valid Fast Lane pass.
Do I still need to remove liquids from my bag at Palma Airport security?
Since November 2024, Palma de Mallorca Airport has deployed 3D scanners across its security checkpoints on level 2 of the terminal. Passengers no longer need to remove liquids, laptops or other electronics from their hand luggage for the scan. However, the 100ml per container limit still applies to liquids. You cannot bring a full-size container of shampoo, water or similar through security regardless of scanner type. Prescription medicines and baby food are permitted in larger volumes and should be declared separately.
What time should I arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport?
For flights from Module A (UK, Ireland and non-Schengen routes), allow 3 hours before departure to account for security plus passport control. For Schengen European flights from Modules B, C and D, 2 hours is generally adequate outside summer peak. During June, July and August, add at least 30 minutes regardless of destination. Check-in for most carriers at PMI opens 3 hours before departure. Bag drop closes 45 to 60 minutes before departure depending on the airline. Online check-in and self-service bag drop significantly reduce your landside time.
When is Palma Airport security busiest?
The busiest window at Palma de Mallorca Airport is 06:00 to 10:00 daily, driven by the early-morning departure wave across all modules. Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings are consistently the most congested combination, reflecting the charter and package holiday rhythm of UK and German travellers rotating in and out of Mallorca. The peak summer season from late June to early September adds 40 to 60 percent to typical wait times. The quietest windows are 10:00 to 13:00 on weekdays, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday midmorning.
What is the difference between the modules at Palma Airport for security?
Palma de Mallorca Airport has one main terminal building divided into four modules. Module A handles non-Schengen flights including all UK and Ireland routes, and is seasonal, operating from approximately April to October. Passengers using Module A must pass through passport control in addition to security. Module B is the smallest module, handling domestic Air Nostrum regional flights to Menorca, Ibiza and mainland Spain. Module C is the largest module and handles the majority of Schengen European traffic. Module D handles mixed routes and has 10 air bridges. Module D was closed for roof renovation from November 2025 and was scheduled to reopen in April 2026. Confirm your module with your airline before travelling.
Does Palma Airport use 3D or CT scanners at security?
Yes. Palma de Mallorca Airport introduced 3D computed tomography scanners across its security checkpoints in November 2024, as part of a major renovation that also moved the security screening area from level 4 to level 2 of the terminal. These scanners allow passengers to leave electronics and laptops inside their hand luggage during screening. Passengers no longer need to place items in a separate tray for scanning. The 100ml per container liquid limit remains in force at PMI, but liquids do not need to be removed from the bag for the scan itself.
Do I need to go through passport control at Palma Airport security?
It depends on your destination. Passengers on Schengen European flights (most German, French, Dutch, Scandinavian and Spanish mainland routes) pass through security only and do not require passport control before boarding. Passengers on non-Schengen flights, including all routes to the United Kingdom and Ireland, must pass through both security and passport control. These flights depart from Module A, which is seasonal and open from approximately April to October. Non-EU passport holders should also note that the EU Entry and Exit System (EES), due to launch in late 2026, will add a biometric registration step at passport control for non-EU travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area.