Published 15 September 2026 | Infrastructure

TL;DR: The Port of Almeria has successfully completed the 2026 Operation Paso del Estrecho, handling over 600,000 passengers and nearly 152,000 vehicles with improved facilities and smoother traffic flows.

Almeria Port Handles Peak Summer Operation

Strong Passenger and Vehicle Traffic

The Port of Almeria has closed its busiest period of the year, the Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE), which ran from mid-June to mid-September. This annual migration connects Europe and North Africa during the summer, and Almeria remains a key hub, second only to Algeciras in maritime traffic volume. In 2026, the port recorded 603,640 passengers and 151,782 vehicles up to September 14, marking a slight rise compared to last year: passenger traffic was up by 1.5%, and vehicle crossings increased by 3%. Particularly noteworthy was a roughly 3% growth in outbound traffic, contrasting with an overall decline in departures from the seven Spanish ports involved in OPE.

Efficient Operations and Coordination

Rosario Soto, president of the Port Authority of Almeria (APA), highlighted the smoothness and agility of the operation this year. She attributed these improvements to the redesign of pre-boarding arrangements, which optimized vehicle circulation and eased security checks. The success was the result of coordinated efforts involving the port’s own police, the exploitation department, the local Government Subdelegation, State security forces, and shipping lines including Armas-Trasmediterránea, Balearia, GNV, and AML. This cooperation ensured a well-managed flow of people and goods over the three-month period.

Upgraded Facilities Enhancing Passenger Experience

For the 2026 operation, the APA invested around 1.6 million euros, a 37% increase from the previous year. Over half of this budget went towards facility upgrades. Significant work included a complete reorientation of the pre-boarding area to better align vehicle lanes with security checkpoints. These changes improved traffic flow, helped separate different travel routes, and made destination distinctions clearer for passengers.

Additional improvements encompassed the renewal of street furniture, pavement repairs, installation of new water outlets, modern lighting systems, and upgrades to water, drainage, and electrical networks. The port also refurbished Passarela 6, a key platform used for embarking and disembarking travelers, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.

Enhancing Passenger Comfort and Family Areas

Beyond operational facilities, the APA sought to improve passenger comfort by enhancing shaded waiting areas in the port. A rehabilitated shelter area has become a popular waiting spot, particularly for families with children. To make the wait more enjoyable for younger travelers, the port installed small football goals where kids congregate to play while awaiting embarkation, adding a family-friendly touch to the often hectic staging area.

Strategic Routes and Passenger Demands

During this period of intense cross-Mediterranean travel, demand was especially high on routes connecting Almeria with North African cities such as Melilla, Nador, Oran, and Ghazaouet. Around 75% of all passengers traveled on the line to Nador, underscoring its importance within the OPE maritime network. The port’s ability to handle this volume with enhanced facilities and improved operational plans confirms its vital role in the seasonal movement between Europe and Africa.

The Port of Almeria’s dedication to improving infrastructure and managing the highest seasonal migration has reaffirmed its position as a crucial gateway in the region, ready to meet future growth challenges while maintaining a smooth travel experience for thousands of passengers.

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