The Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is undergoing a series of upgrades to its facilities aimed at optimizing passenger flow, particularly for non-Schengen international flights. Aena reports that the works, which represent a total investment of €3.4 million, are already underway and include several key interventions.
New area for rental vehicles
The most significant project is the creation of a new parking area for rental vehicles without drivers, which will feature approximately 400 covered spaces on a 16,000-square-meter lot. This space will free up 246 spots in the general parking area for passenger use. According to Aena, this relocation will improve traffic flow at the airport’s access points by preventing the transit of vehicle transport trucks near the terminal building.
The project, awarded to the joint venture Aparcamientos Rent A Car for €2.79 million, has a completion timeline of 14 months.
Upgrades to the terminal building
Inside the terminal, three simultaneous projects are being carried out, awarded to Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos for €611,292:
- Adaptation of Boarding Gate 1: This space will be adapted to handle both Schengen and non-Schengen flights simultaneously, facilitating passport control when necessary. The project, costing €78,943, has a four-month execution timeline.
- Integration of the non-Schengen arrivals annex: The 290-square-meter area built in 2022 will be enclosed and integrated into the terminal building, with anti-return corridors and direct connection to the baggage claim area after passport control. The project, awarded for €194,007, will be completed within five months.
- Expansion of the airside walkway and canopy: To improve pedestrian movement between aircraft and the terminal, the walkway will be widened, and the current canopy will be replaced. During construction, temporary walkways will be installed to ensure safety. This initiative, awarded for €338,341, also has a five-month timeline.
Works without affecting operations
According to Aena, all projects will be carried out without disrupting the airport’s regular operations, with work scheduled outside operational hours when necessary. These improvements follow the recent installation of a third security screening line, designed to handle peak-hour traffic.
In 2023, Santander Airport handled 1.24 million passengers, a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year, placing it as the 20th busiest airport in Spain.
