Malaga Airport News July 2026: We update you with interesting, summarised information about what´s new this month at the popular Costa del Sol airport.
Airlines cannot charge for seat changes in certain cases
It is common practice for airlines to charge a surcharge to passengers who wish to choose their seats, whether to sit next to a travel companion or to secure a better location.
The Council of the European Union has approved an update to air passenger rights. Airlines may not charge for seat changes for minors, pregnant women or passengers with disabilities.
In other words, no fee may be charged for a seat change allowing an adult to accompany a minor under the age of 14 so that they may sit in adjacent seats.
This same right will also apply to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as to pregnant women.
New regulations regarding carry-on luggage
Among the new measures included in the regulations is a rule concerning charges for carry-on luggage. Airlines must now display the ticket price – including carry-on luggage – right from the start of the flight booking process.
Among the new measures included in the regulations is a provision regarding charges for carry-on luggage. Travellers will be entitled to bring a personal item -defined as a handbag or small backpack – on board at no extra cost; notably, this is not considered carry-on luggage in the strict sense.
Airlines will now be required to display the ticket price – including carry-on luggage – right from the start of the flight booking process. Furthermore, passengers cannot be charged for correcting spelling errors in their booking names or for having their boarding pass printed if they have already checked in.
When it comes into force
Although the European Council is expected to approve it in early August, European airlines would, in principle, have until next summer to implement it.
Carry-on luggage dimensions for 2026
Most airlines distinguish between:
- A carry-on bag that fits under the seat – such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag – which is free of charge.
- A larger cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin, for which an additional fee is usually charged.
Below, we break down the permitted dimensions for some of the airlines operating in Málaga, such as Iberia, EasyJet, Air Europa, Ryanair, Volotea and Vueling.
Iberia
For its part, Iberia allows travellers to bring on board – free of charge – both a handbag or backpack. The maximum measures are 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Maximum measure of cabin bag are 56 × 40 × 25 cm and not exceeding 10 kg.
EasyJet
With EasyJet, the maximum size for free hand luggage is 45 × 36 × 20 cm (including handles and wheels). It must be placed under the seat in front. Maximum weight is 15 kg.
If you wish to bring a larger piece of luggage (with maximum dimensions of 56 × 45 × 25 cm, including handles and wheels), you must pay an additional fee.
Air Europa
With Air Europa, passengers have the option to bring both a piece of hand luggage and a personal item free of charge.
The personal item is a bag or briefcase measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm. It must be stowed under the seat in front.
The hand luggage must measure 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including handles, pockets, and wheels. The weight allowance is up to 10 kg in Economy Class and up to 14 kg in Business Class.
Ryanair
With Ryanair, the free bag allowed on board must fit under the passenger’s seat in front. This can be a handbag, a laptop bag, or a backpack. Provided it meets the following dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 centimetres.
As for the carry-on luggage allowed on board (which requires a separate fee): It must be stowed in the overhead compartment during the flight. Maximum weight is 10 kilograms with the following dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 centimetres.
Vueling
In the case of Vueling, the free carry-on bag must also fit under the seat and measure 40 x 30 x 20 cm.
Additionally, a cabin bag weighing no more than 10 kg and measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm is included if purchased with the flight ticket.
Volotea
A small handbag is also included free of charge. It must fit under the seat in front of you and measure no more than 40 x 30 x 20 centimetres.
There is also the option of a cabin bag, which requires a separate fee. Maximum weight is 10 kilograms. It is subject to available space on the flight. Maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 25 centimetres.
Non-Schengen Flights
Non-EU / Biometric Requirements
If you are flying to a non-Schengen destination (such as the UK, Ireland, the US, or the Middle East) from Malaga Airport you have to pass through a mandatory Border Passport Control.
• Entry/Exit System (EES): Non-EU passport holders (including UK citizens) will have to use automated biometric kiosks before reaching border control.
While these are supposed to speed up processing, in fact they create bottlenecks that require extra patience and time. This is even more the case during high-traffic periods.
If it is your first time going through the new system at Malaga Airport, familiarize yourself thoroughly with the necessary steps beforehand.
Because you must clear both standard airport security and international border checks, you are highly vulnerable to compounding delays.
Our recommendatios
Strict Timing Rule
- Arrive exactly 3 hours before your flight: Do not attempt a shorter window. Airline check-in desks for non-Schengen flights (especially long-haul routes or busy UK/Ireland corridors) experience intense congestion.
The Double-Queue Trap
Queue 1 (Security Checkpoint): All passengers enter through the main security hub in Terminal 3. In peak summer, this line routinely backs up.
- Tip: You can bypass this specific line by purchasing a Fast Lane pass online via the Aena VIP Services Website for € 11.10 (price June 2026). You can purchase your access in advance via the official Aena VIP Services website.
Queue 2 (Passport Control): After clearing security and walking through the duty-free shop, you must head toward the non-Schengen gates. At the Biometric Kiosks you encounter a massive bottleneck that can take 30 to 60 minutes alone.
High season Malaga Airport – What to consider
Check out our related article High season at Malaga Airport with plenty of useful tips to make your journey through the airport facilities as smooth as possible.
We tell you everything about: Airport amenities, Vip Lounge, Fast Track, Security check, Border Passport Control and much more!
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