Operation Paso del Estrecho 2026 sees high passenger volumes in Algeciras and Melilla

The 2026 Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE) has seen significant maritime traffic between Europe and North Africa. Between June 15 and August 15, Andalusian ports managed over 2.16 million passengers, accounting for 96.9% of the total travelers across all participating Spanish ports. While this represents a 2.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, the Port of Algeciras remains the primary transit hub.

In Algeciras, the departure phase saw 903,658 passengers and 251,473 vehicles, though these figures mark a decrease from the previous year. The return phase has also begun, with 295,639 passengers and 82,520 vehicles returning through the port as of August 15.

In contrast to the general decline in passenger numbers, Melilla has reported substantial growth during the return operation phase. Between July 15 and August 16, Melilla recorded 47,473 passengers and 12,456 vehicles, representing increases of 37.4% and 39.3% respectively compared to 2025. On August 16 alone, Melilla's maritime connections to the mainland transported over 2,800 passengers and 600 vehicles via routes to Málaga, Almería, and Motril.