Military/Civil Airfield Palma De Mallorca (LEPA) IFR

LEPA requires prior slot coordination through a handling agent, and handling is mandatory for all general aviation. Slot numbers must be entered in the flight plan. Multiple handlers are available, including G. Melendez, Gestair, Assistair, and Mallorcair; fees and surcharges vary significantly by agent and should be confirmed in advance to avoid unexpected costs. Pushback is required from all GA parking positions, with associated procedures and costs. Strict startup, pushback, and takeoff times are enforced with a ±5 minute window, coordinated via the handler.

Fees for landing, parking, handling, and security are consistently high. Total charges for a short stay can reach €1,200 for three people (MTOW 1200 kg), with individual examples including about €650 for two days or about €590 for five days’ parking plus handling. Handling alone can exceed €120–€150, with some agents adding 10–13% surcharges on disbursements and credit card payments. Example: landing about €20 and parking about €10 per day (plus VAT), but mandatory handling and surcharges substantially increase the total cost. Example: one overnight stay including handling about €400.

Ground service is efficient and friendly; handlers often provide minibus transport between aircraft stands, the GAT, and the main terminal due to long walking distances (up to 30 minutes on foot). The Bluebridge shortcut to the beach is no longer accessible; walking to the beach now takes nearly half an hour. Rental car pickup at the main terminal requires shuttle transport from handlers.

AVGAS availability is limited or unavailable at LEPA; refueling may require repositioning to Son Bonet (LESB). Jet fuel wait times can be long out of season. Customs clearance is available on site but may not always be attentive; see AIP/NOTAM for current procedures.

LEPA offers professional ATC and ground operations suitable for IFR arrivals when Son Bonet is closed or unavailable. However, high fees and mandatory handling make it less attractive compared to nearby alternatives for non-commercial GA flights under 2 t MTOW.