Ibiza International Airport, located 7 kilometres southwest of Ibiza Town in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, serves as the primary gateway to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. Handling over 9 million passengers annually, it ranks as Spain’s eighth-busiest airport, connecting to 103 destinations across 25 countries, including London, Madrid, and Amsterdam, with airlines like Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, and BA. Operated by AENA, this single-terminal airport, with its modern facilities and focus on seasonal tourism, offers a practical experience for travellers seeking sun, beaches, and nightlife.
The passenger experience at Ibiza Airport is straightforward, though summer crowds can test its capacity. The single terminal, with arrivals on Level 0 and departures on Level 1, is easy to navigate, with clear signage in English and Spanish. Arrivals often involve a short walk via one of 17 jet bridges or a quick bus transfer from the tarmac. Check-in, with 71 desks and self-service kiosks, is generally efficient, but some travellers note kiosks take 10–15 seconds to load, and queues can grow during peak season.
Security screening, centrally located on Level 1, requires liquids in a 1-litre bag and electronics removed, with wait times averaging 20–30 minutes but potentially reaching an hour in summer. A Fast Track service, available 24/7 for €7.50, offers quicker access, free for children under 5. Staff are helpful, and a free assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance, includes wheelchairs and priority lanes, with three adapted taxis available. The Cap des Falcَ Lounge on Level 1, open from 5:45 am. to midnight, offers snacks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space for €40.85 (children 6–10 pay €18.85, under 5 free).
Accessing the airport is convenient due to its proximity to Ibiza Town. The PM-803 road connects to the city centre in 10–15 minutes by car. Bus Line 10, running every 20–30 minutes from 6:20 am. to midnight in summer, reaches Ibiza Town for €3.60, while Line 9 to San Antonio and Line 24 to Santa Eulària serve other resorts for €4.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside arrivals, cost €15–€20 to Ibiza Town, with higher rates at night. Car hire desks from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt are in the arrivals area, and a 1,500-space car park, including 44 electric vehicle charging spots, offers 10 minutes free for pick-ups, with rates starting at €12 per day. Traffic on the PM-803 during rush hours or summer weekends can slow travel, so checking www.aena.es for updates is advised.
The airport’s layout is compact, with a single terminal and a 2,800-metre runway handling 77,000 aircraft movements annually. The ground floor houses check-in, arrivals, and baggage claim, while Level 1 contains departures, security, and nine gates for Schengen and non-Schengen flights. The walk between farthest gates takes 5–10 minutes, with lifts and escalators aiding accessibility. Digital flight displays provide updates, but no tannoy announcements mean passengers must check monitors regularly. Summer crowds can limit seating, and some facilities feel dated, but the terminal’s design ensures easy navigation.
Delays are uncommon outside peak season, with strong on-time performance, but summer months (June–September) see average delays of 15–30 minutes due to high passenger volumes, understaffing, or weather like strong winds. Travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international to account for queues, particularly for non-Schengen passport control. Dining and retail options are sufficient. The departure hall features restaurants like Black Bear and Phillips Seafood, cafes like Costa Coffee, and fast-food outlets like McDonald’s, open from 6 am. to 3 am. Heinemann Duty Free, Desigual, and I Love Ibiza shops sell fashion, jewellery, and souvenirs, though prices may be higher than in town. The lounge offers gluten-free, kosher, and halal options.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Free Wi-Fi via “Airport Free Wifi Aena” requires registration, with reliable connectivity. ATMs, a currency exchange, a pharmacy (open 9 am–2 pm. and 4–8 pm), and a first aid station are available. Family-friendly amenities include baby strollers and a children’s play area, while a book exchange and mailbox add unique touches. No luggage storage is offered on-site, but nearby services are available. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, and adapted restrooms, though some buses lack wheelchair access.
Connections are limited, as the airport focuses on point-to-point routes, with a minimum connection time of 30 minutes for domestic and 45 minutes for international flights. Self-transfers require clearing security and immigration, taking up to an hour, so a two-hour buffer is advised for routes to Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, or London. Delays from gate congestion or baggage handling issues can affect tight schedules, so checking www.flightradar24.com is recommended.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates daily flights to Dublin from Ibiza from the main terminal, floor P0, with check-in desks typically in the check-in area (desks 20–40). Passengers should check airport screens for exact assignments. Ryanair check-in is in terminal 1, dynamic desks 1-71 (self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from non-Schengen gates 1-17. Specific gates are confirmed on departure boards.
