The development of the airport was proposed as Murcia–San Javier Airport had insufficient capacity for civil aviation due it also being a military base, therefore limiting opportunities for expansion. A report in La Verdad the week of 13 Dec 2015 suggested that Corvera "will open in 2017" after several delays claimed by the Regional Minister of Employment, Economy and Tourism on the Spanish radio Cadena Ser. In May 2015 Corvera airport management contract was withdrawn from Aeromur. In June 2016 a new Murcian government president came to power and said he could not put a date onto when the airport will open. A couple of days after this announcement, Tumbit reported that the airport "will NOT open in 2016". In December 2016 the new Murcia President had talks with Spanish carrier Volotea and showcased the airport at the London travel fair. However, people were still sceptical about when Corvera airport will open, with AENA investing more in Murcia-San Javier Airport and opening up new routes, as the new airport cannot viably open until Murcia–San Javier Airport closes. In November 2017, the Murcia regional government said it would be awarding AENA the contract of managing Corvera airport - whereby San Javier would be closed and flights transferred. It was confirmed in April 2018 that Corvera was due to open on 15 January 2019. The new airport was officially opened on 15 January 2019 by the King of Spain, the first arrival into the airport was Ryanair flight FR1824 from East Midlands.
Facilities
The airport has a single passenger terminal of 28,500 m² and a single 3,000 × 45 m runway. It will have a capacity of 3 million passengers and 23,000 movements per year upon opening, however capacity can be subsequently increased to 5 million passengers. The terminal is equipped with 9 boarding gates, 25 check-in desks and 4 baggage reclaim belts. The runway has one rapid-exit taxiway and 4 holding bays. It is equipped with precision approach instrument ILS CAT I at threshold 23 and non-precision instrument DVOR/DME.
Airlines and destinations
Access
The airport has direct access to the A-30 between Murcia and Cartagena. Additionally, there are several public bus routes connecting the airport to its surrounding areas.
