Tourism to the Murcia region has grown steadily for several decades, becoming popular as a less expensive alternative to established holiday areas such as the Costa del Sol.

The Aeromur consortium, now including construction firm Sacyr, won the tender for a term of 40 years and announced it would invest 550 million euros in the project.

[1] The airport has faced considerable controversy and criticism due to significant cost overruns and unmet expectations.

The Regional Assembly of Murcia approved a commission in 2024 to investigate the “failed settlement for damages” in the airport’s construction and operation.

[9] Additionally, initial projections that the airport would support 16 flights per hour and create 20,000 jobs[10][11] have not materialized, as current operations and employment figures fall far below these targets.

[citation needed] The following airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights at Región de Murcia Airport: The year 2020 saw a decline in passengers and movements, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions that were implemented globally.

[30] In 2009, plans were revealed for the AVE high-speed rail network to serve the airport via a proposed Murcia to Cartagena line.