Almeria Airport

Almeria Airport (LEI), officially named after the guitar master Antonio de Torres, serves as the air gateway to the sunny province of Andalusia bearing the same name. It is a modern and compact airport playing a key role in the development of tourism on the Costa de Almeria. Located in the heart of the Bay of Almeria, it welcomes travellers eager to enjoy the unique combination of desert landscapes, pristine white beaches, and the region's rich history. Although smaller in size compared to giants like Malaga, its convenient location and growing popularity make it an ideal starting point for exploring the south of Spain.

Despite its relatively small size, Almeria Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. In the single passenger terminal, which has been modernised in recent decades, you will find several cafes and a restaurant, shops including Duty Free, a pharmacy, and ATMs. The airport is well-adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, offering ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. A pleasant bonus is the open-air terrace in the departure zone, where you can wait for your flight in the fresh air. Transport connection to the city is provided by bus route No. 30, with a trip to the centre of Almeria taking about 35 minutes.

Below you will find the main contact information for Almeria Airport (LEI), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: aena.es/es/almeria.html (managed by Aena)
• Information Service Phone: (+34) 913 211 000 (unified information line for Aena airports)
• Airport Address: Ctra. de Níjar, Km. 9, 04130 Almeria, Spain
• Email: For most general questions, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Official news can be tracked on the accounts of the management company Aena, for example, on X (formerly Twitter) @aena.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you must immediately contact the baggage tracing service (Lost and Found) of your airline or its representative at the airport.
• Lost and Found (items lost in the terminal): For items left within the airport premises (excluding the aircraft), you can contact the airport service via email: lei.objetosperdidos@aena.es

Reaching Almeria Airport (LEI), located just 9 kilometres east of the city centre, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes between 15 to 35 minutes.

Public Transport: The most economical option is the city bus. Route No. 30 (Línea 30) by Surbus connects the city centre with the airport. Buses run approximately every 30-45 minutes throughout the day. The trip takes about 35 minutes, and the ticket cost is slightly over one Euro. This is an excellent choice for budget travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxi and Transfers: For those who value speed and comfort, a taxi is the ideal solution. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Almeria will take about 15 minutes, costing approximately 15-20 Euros depending on the time of day and day of the week. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for large groups or families with children.

Car Rental: If you plan to explore not only the city but also the picturesque surroundings of the Costa de Almeria, renting a car is the best choice. Offices of many well-known rental companies are present at the airport. Having your own transport gives you complete freedom of movement across Spain. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, convenient parking with short-term and long-term rates is available.

When planning your journey, it is also worth considering other air gateways in the region to find the most convenient flights. As an alternative, you can use Granada Airport (GRX) or one of the airports in the Murcia region: Corvera International (RMU) and Murcia-San Javier (MJV). Slightly further away is the largest airport in southern Spain, Malaga Airport (AGP), offering the widest selection of international destinations. Additionally, for flights to the African coast and back, Melilla Airport (MLN) is available.

Almeria Airport (LEI) is a modern and compact aviation hub, making it very convenient for travellers. Navigation here is easy, as all operations are concentrated in one passenger terminal.

The terminal is a two-story building where arrival and departure zones are logically separated. On the Ground Floor (Planta 0), you will find flight check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts, as well as car rental offices, a cafe, and an information desk. This is the first place you enter when walking into the airport or arriving on your flight.

The First Floor (Planta 1) is entirely dedicated to departing passengers. After ascending here following check-in, you will pass through security control, after which you enter the "airside" zone. Here you will find Duty Free shops, restaurants, cafes, and all boarding gates. Since all gates are located in one hall, walking between them takes only a few minutes.

Thanks to the airport's small size, passing through check-in and security procedures rarely takes much time. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure. During the peak tourist season (summer), it is better to allow a little more time due to increased passenger flow. Overall, navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and clear signs in Spanish and English will help you easily find the required zone.

The history of Almeria Airport is inextricably linked to the tourism boom that swept the Costa de Almeria in the 1960s. An acute need arose for a modern air harbour to receive the growing flow of guests from Europe. Construction began in 1966, and on February 6, 1968, the airport was inaugurated. From its first days of operation, it became a key infrastructure element contributing to the region's development.

Initially, the airport mainly served charter flights delivering tourists to the sunny beaches of Andalusia. With the growth of passenger traffic, its gradual modernisation began. Already in the 70s, the runway length was increased to accommodate larger aircraft. In 1980, a new passenger terminal building was commissioned, significantly increasing comfort for travellers.

The most large-scale reconstruction took place in 1995 when the modern terminal, which is used to this day, was built and opened. This allowed the airport to meet international standards and cope with peak loads at the height of the tourist season. In subsequent years, regular updates to equipment and infrastructure were carried out to maintain a high level of safety and service.

Interesting fact: Almeria Airport played an important role not only in the development of tourism but also in the region's economy as a whole. Its cargo terminals facilitate the export of famous local fruits and vegetables, which are valued throughout Europe. Today, Almeria Airport represents a modern air gateway that annually welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to discover the beauties of southern Spain.

Almeria Airport (LEI) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for traveller convenience.

Restaurants, Shops, and Cafes
At the airport, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or have a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop operates with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and local delicacies. There are also shops selling newspapers, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Lounges and VIP Services
For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, Almeria Airport features the VIP Lounge "Sala VIP Aguadulce". Guests are offered a cosy atmosphere, complimentary snacks and drinks, fresh newspapers, and high-speed Wi-Fi. It is an excellent place to relax or work in silence.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi provided by Aena is available throughout the terminal. Special stands and power outlets are provided in waiting areas and at boarding gates for charging gadgets.

Financial Services
ATMs are installed in the airport where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points may not be available in smaller airports or may have limited operating hours, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance.

Medical Assistance and Pharmacies
Medical personnel are on duty around the clock at the airport to provide first aid. There is no dedicated pharmacy point in the terminal, but basic medications can be found in the shops.

Services for Passengers with Children
Families with small children can use mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables. In some areas of the airport, there are small children's play areas that will help little ones pass the time while waiting for a flight.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The airport is fully adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility. An assistance service is provided from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft. This service must be booked in advance, at least 48 hours before departure, through the airline or the special Sin Barreras service by Aena.

Hotels and Business Centres
There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, hotels of various price categories are located a few minutes away by taxi or car. There are also no specialised conference rooms in the terminal, but for business meetings or work, you can utilise the comfortable conditions of the VIP lounge.

Almeria Airport (LEI) is a compact and convenient airport where all main dining points are concentrated in one terminal. Although the selection here is not as vast as in major hubs, you will easily find a place to have a snack before departure or enjoy a cup of coffee.

The main cafes and restaurants are located in the departure zone, after passing security control (airside). This is convenient as you can eat peacefully while waiting for your flight. In the public zone (landside), the choice is usually limited to vending machines, so for a full lunch, it is better to proceed to the secure area.

For a full lunch or dinner, a self-service cafe-restaurant operates in the departure zone. Here, you can typically order hot dishes, soups, fresh salads, as well as traditional Spanish snacks. Look out for bocadillos (hearty Spanish baguette sandwiches) with cheese or various fillings and tortilla española (potato omelette) — this is a great way to taste local cuisine at the airport. It is advisable to check ingredients if you require Halal options. The price range here is average for airports: a hot dish will cost approximately 15-20 Euros, and a sandwich or salad — 8-12 Euros.

If you are short on time and need a quick snack, there is a coffee shop in the same departure zone. It is the ideal place for a cup of aromatic coffee, fresh pastries, croissants, or small sandwiches. This is a more budget-friendly option where you can manage with 5-10 Euros. regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian sandwiches or salads can usually be found. Gluten-free or vegan options might be harder to come by, so it is better to check the ingredients with staff or look for pre-packaged products with appropriate labelling.

The opening hours of dining establishments at Almeria Airport are directly linked to the flight schedule. They open with the first morning departures and close after the last evening flight departs, so you will not go hungry during airport operating hours.

Travelling through Almeria Airport (LEI) usually proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress, as it is not among the giant transport hubs of Spain. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable. Plan to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic or Schengen zone flights. This time will be sufficient for check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines offer. This allows you to go straight to baggage drop (if you have any) or to the security checkpoint. Security control here is standard for Europe: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, and pack all liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml in a single transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats offer picturesque views of the Costa de Almeria during takeoff and landing. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage. Always check the current rules on your airline's website, as they may differ slightly.

Almeria Airport is rarely used for connecting flights; most passengers begin or end their journey here. If you do have a transfer planned, ensure your luggage is checked through to the final destination. Customs control for those arriving from non-Schengen countries follows the "green" and "red" channel system. For most tourists, there are virtually no formalities.

In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information. For long delays (more than 2-3 hours), you are entitled to drinks and meals according to EU regulations. Keep all receipts and boarding passes, as they may be needed for compensation or insurance claims. Having travel insurance is always a good idea to cover unforeseen expenses.