AIRPORT GUIDE: Menorca, what passengers can expect

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Menorca Airport, also known as Mahَn Airport (MAH), serves as the primary gateway to the Balearic island of Menorca, located just 4.5 kilometres southwest of Mahَn’s city centre. Handling over 3.4 million passengers annually, this mid-sized airport primarily caters to seasonal and charter flights, connecting to 68 destinations across Europe with airlines like Ryanair, Vueling, and Jet2. Its modern single terminal, revamped in 2008, offers a straightforward and welcoming experience for travellers exploring Menorca’s beaches and historic sites.

The passenger experience at Menorca Airport is generally smooth, thanks to its compact size and clear organisation. The single terminal spans two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures, including 42 check-in desks and security, on the upper floor. Passengers typically clear check-in and security in 20 to 30 minutes, though queues can extend to 45 minutes during peak summer months. 

Travellers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic or Schengen flights and three hours for non-Schengen flights to account for manual boarding pass checks and document control. The airport’s five airbridges and 16 gates ensure easy boarding, though some flights require bus transfers to planes, which can be less convenient in poor weather. Staff are noted for their friendliness, and accessibility is well-supported with ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs available, provided passengers notify their airline 48 hours in advance.

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Access to the airport is straightforward, with efficient transport options linking to Mahَn and beyond. The Line 10 bus runs every 30 minutes from 5:55 AM to 12:25 AM (June to September) or 10:15 PM (October to May), connecting to Mahَn’s central bus station in about 10 minutes for £2.80. From there, buses serve resorts like Ciutadella, a 47-minute journey.

Taxis, located outside the terminal, cost around £14 to Mahَn with a £2.86 airport surcharge, while private transfers via services like Holiday Taxis offer door-to-door convenience for groups. Car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar, are situated next to the terminal, ideal for exploring the island. The ME-12 and ME-14 roads provide a quick 10-minute drive to Mahَn, though traffic on the ME-14 during peak hours can add minor delays. Parking is ample, with 495 short-term spaces in P1 (free for the first 30 minutes) and 250 long-term spaces in P2.

The airport’s layout is simple, with all facilities within easy walking distance. Check-in and security are on the first floor, while boarding gates and a central atrium with shops and eateries are on the second. The compact design minimises confusion, though seating can be limited during busy periods, particularly near gates. Recent upgrades, including six baggage claim carousels, have improved efficiency, but congestion at security or passport control for non-Schengen flights can occur during summer peaks. A Fast Lane service, available for purchase or for premium passengers, helps bypass queues.

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Dining and retail options are modest but sufficient. Airside, three eateries offer coffee, sandwiches, and a burger/steak restaurant, while landside provides three more, including a bar and café. A duty-free shop in the departures lounge sells perfumes, tobacco, and Menorcan crafts, though travellers note higher prices compared to Mahَn. For better variety, dining at nearby San Climent’s El Grill, a 5-minute drive, is recommended. Free unlimited Wi-Fi, accessible via the “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” network, is reliable throughout the terminal, and charging points are available near gates.

Facilities cater to essential needs. A tourist information desk on the ground floor and a pharmacy in departures provide practical support. A lost and found office operates in the arrivals hall, and currency exchange is offered by Best and Fast Change. The Sala VIP Tramuntana Lounge, near Gate 9, offers snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi for around £33, but it’s temporarily closed. No luggage storage or showers are available, and smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas landside. The airport closes from 12:30 AM to 7:00 AM, preventing overnight stays, though nearby hotels like Catalonia Mirador des Port, a 10-minute drive, offer convenient options.

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On-time performance is generally solid, with an average of 65 weekly flights to Palma de Mallorca and frequent services to Barcelona and London. Delays, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are often due to seasonal overcrowding, weather, or air traffic control issues. Real-time updates are available via the airport’s website or apps like Flightradar24. Passengers can claim up to €600 for delays exceeding three hours under EU regulations, provided the cause is airline-related.

Connections are straightforward due to the single terminal, with minimum connection times of 30 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international ones. However, Menorca Airport primarily serves point-to-point routes, so transfers often involve hubs like Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca. The compact layout ensures quick navigation, but passengers should allow extra time for non-Schengen immigration checks. The lack of online check-in for some airlines can slow the process, so verifying requirements is key.

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