Airports

Major Airports in Spain

Spain is home to 49 airports in total, 9 of which handle over 5 million passengers annually. The airports in Madrid and Barcelona are the biggest in Spain, with other major airports including Palma De Mallorca, Malaga, Gran Canaria, Alicante and Tenerife South.

Madrid Barajas Airport

Madrid Barajas Aiport opened in 1928 and has since become one of the most important airports in Europe. It is currently the biggest international airport in Spain by both passenger numbers and the size of the airport. In 2014, the number of annual passengers increased to over 41 million and the most flown route was to Barcelona, served by Air Europa, Iberia and Vueling. The most popular international destination is London Heathrow, with over 1 million annual passengers, the majority of which travel with British Airways and Iberia. Madrid Barajas is the main hub for Air Europa and Iberia and is also a focus city for the Iberia Express, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Pullmantur Air, Ryanair and Vueling which has helped solidify its status as one the best airports in Europe. The airport itself is located a mere 12km from the city centre and is therefore extremely well connected. The airport consists of 4 terminals, and offers an abundance of restaurants and shops.

Barcelona El Prat Airport

Colloquially known simply as Barcelona Airport, Barcelona El Prat gets its official name from the district it lies in, El Prat de Llonbregat, and began operations in 1916. Barcelona Airport is the second largest airport in Spain, with an annual passenger total of almost 40 million in 2014, a record number for the airport and a 6.7% increase from the previous year. The airport deals with both international and domestic flights, with London and Amsterdam being the busiest routes, both serving over 1 million passengers annually. This modern airport is currently a hub for Iberia Regional and Vueling, while being a focus city for Air Europa, Iberia, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Ryanair. There are currently 2 terminals in Barcelona Airport, both of which offer free Wi-Fi and are home to a variety of shops and eateries.