Malaga’s airport has finally been given the go-ahead to begin a 730 million euros (£483 million) expansion plan designed to double its capacity by 2010. Following years of delays and uncertainty and amidst fears over a possible collapse in its services due to overcrowding, the airport saw the launch of the two-stage “Plan Malaga” on Monday.

With 5.6 million passengers passing through in the first six months of this year, facilities at the airport are already “at breaking point” according to one government spokesperson. Now, however, the authorities hope that an overload can be avoided thanks to the ambitious plan which was officially launched by Development Minister Magdalena Alvarez.

The first phase of the plan, which should be completed by 2008, will see a new terminal building with 28 new boarding gates and dozens of new check-in desks. According to the local Sur in English newspaper, the airport will then be able to process around 9,000 passengers per hour – twice the current figure. To avoid congestion problems in the meantime, the existing T1 terminal will be renovated and two new exit lanes from the runway will be built. The first phase also involves the construction of new access roads, docking platforms and an overhaul of the airport’s electrical system.

The second phase in the scheme will see the completion of the long-overdue second runway, and the diversion underground of the railway link to the airport. By the time the scheme is complete the airport will be able to handle up to 75 take-offs or landings each hour, according to Sur in English.

“This is a good day for us, and a good day for the future of Malaga. With this investment the airport will continue to be the foundation of our tourist industry and we can look forward with renewed confidence to many successful years ahead,” said spokesman Rafael Martin.