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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.5 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.3 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.4 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 6.9
Lounge Score 7.2 6.4
City Málaga Derby
Country Spain United Kingdom
Terminals 3 terminals (T2/T3 main) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 22M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy AGP — Málaga-Costa EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Málaga, Spain · AGP · #1 in this comparison

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport

3 terminals (T2/T3 main) · 22M+ passengers/year

7.5 / 10

How good is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport?

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.2/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Málaga AGP scores 7.5/10 — Costa del Sol gateway with year-round UK routes. Train to Málaga city ~12 min. Compare /airports/palma for Balearics. See /guides/malaga-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.5 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.2 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.2/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Marbella, Nerja, Granada, and Costa del Sol resorts
  • Year-round UK service — stronger winter sun market than northern Spain airports
  • Cercanías train to Málaga centre ~12 min; coach links to Marbella and Estepona
  • Sala VIP and Priority Pass lounges — moderate queues off-peak

Overview

Gateway to the Costa del Sol, Andalusia, and Gibraltar region — dense year-round UK schedule on Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, and BA.

Costa del Sol access

AGP sits 8 km from Málaga city and 45–60 min by road from Marbella depending on traffic. Pre-book transfers in summer.

UK261 on return UK legs; EU261 on EU departures.

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

FAQ

Which is better, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) scores higher overall at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, AGP or EMA?

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) scores higher for lounges at 7.2/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, AGP or EMA?

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) has stronger on-time performance at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.