Airports In Spain: How Many Are There?

Spain has a large number of airports, with sources citing anywhere between 47 and 50 operational airports spread across the country. These airports range from very big, like Madrid's Barajas Airport, to very small, like Lanzarote Airport in the Canaries. Most Spanish airports serve international flights, and they are known for their friendly and helpful staff, plentiful food and drink options, and various flight choices.

Domestic vs International Airports in Spain

Spain has a variety of airports, including international, regional, and domestic, as well as heliports and seaplane bases. These airports help connect Spain to both local and international destinations, supporting tourism and business.

International airports are major hubs that handle a large number of passengers and international flights. Regional airports serve mainly domestic flights and a few international routes. There are also heliports, which are designed for helicopter operations.

The main airports of Spain are classified into two groups: coordinated and non-coordinated. Non-coordinated airports, or Level 1 airports, can handle all flight demands without any scheduling restrictions. Level 2 airports are near capacity and need some coordination between airlines. Level 3 airports are coordinated airports that require strict scheduling to manage operations.

There are 47 airports in Spain, with Madrid's Barajas Airport being the busiest, followed by Barcelona, Palma, and Málaga.

Domestic Airports

Domestic airports in Spain only have the facilities to accept smaller aircraft and, therefore, only receive domestic flights. Domestic flights are flights that are within the same country. Some of the smaller airports in Spain include:

• Granada-Jaén Airport
• Asturias Airport
• Menorca Airport
• Fuerteventura Airport
• Tenerife North Airport

International Airports

International airports in Spain have the facilities to offer and accept international flights to and from other countries. These facilities usually include longer runways to accommodate the takeoff and landing of larger commercial aircraft, as well as customs and immigration procedures. Some of the larger international airports in Spain include:

• Madrid-Barajas Airport
• Barcelona-El Prat Airport
• Palma de Mallorca Airport
• Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
• Alicante-Elche Airport
• Gran Canaria Airport
• Tenerife South Airport
• Valencia Airport
• Ibiza Airport
• Seville Airport
• Lanzarote Airport
• Bilbao Airport

International airports in Spain receive flights from different countries around the world, with the larger airports generally offering a better choice of flights and a more regular schedule.

The Busiest Airports in Spain

There are around 47 airports in Spain, most of which serve international flights. The country's airports range from large to small, but all are known for their friendly and helpful staff, plentiful food and drink options, and various flight choices.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, located about 12 km northeast of Madrid, is Spain's busiest airport. Over 50 million passengers pass through its gates each year, making it also one of the largest airports in terms of passenger numbers. The airport serves as a central hub for flights to Latin America and is home to airlines such as Iberia and Air Europa.

Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)

Barcelona–El Prat Airport, often referred to as "El Prat," is the second busiest airport in Spain. It serves over 50 million passengers annually and is a popular gateway to the Mediterranean coast. The airport caters to both tourists and locals with a variety of shops and duty-free items.

Málaga–Costa Del Sol Airport (AGP)

Málaga Airport is one of Spain's busiest airports and an important gateway to the Costa del Sol region. It welcomes over 12 million passengers each year, with a significant increase during the summer months. The airport has three terminals, with the newest, Terminal 3, being twice the size of Terminal 2.

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

Alicante International Airport, located on the Mediterranean coast, is Spain's sixth busiest airport. It underwent major renovations in 2011, including the construction of a new terminal capable of handling 30 million travellers annually. Alicante offers a range of amenities for passengers, including retail shopping, a VIP lounge, and a tapas bar.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

Palma de Mallorca Airport, serving the island of Majorca, accommodates the large crowds of vacationers who flock to the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean island each summer. The airport processes approximately 30 million passengers annually, with flights arriving from across Europe and beyond.

Ibiza Airport (IBZ)

Ibiza Airport is the main gateway to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera. While the airport itself is small, with only one terminal, it handles around nine million passengers each year, especially during the summer months when Ibiza becomes a popular party destination.

Lanzarote-César Manrique Airport (ACE)

Lanzarote Airport, serving the sunny Canary Island of Lanzarote, handles approximately seven million travellers annually. The airport can feel busy, especially during the summer season, and on Thursdays when several flights from the UK arrive.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport, also known locally as "Aeropuerto de Gando," is the Canary Islands' busiest aerial hub and Spain's fifth busiest airport. It handles nearly 23 million passengers per year and offers a reasonable selection of shops, dining options, and other facilities.

Airports in Spain with the Highest Number of Passenger Footfalls

Spain has around 50 airports, ranging from large international hubs to smaller domestic airfields. The country's airports are vital to its thriving tourism industry, serving as gateways to its various regions. Here is a list of the airports in Spain with the highest number of passenger footfalls:

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD):

• Located about 12 km northeast of Madrid, this airport is the busiest in Spain, handling over 50 million passengers annually.
• It serves as a central hub for flights to Latin America and is a base for airlines such as Iberia and Air Europa.
• The airport has four runways, with a capacity for up to 120 aircraft movements per hour.

Barcelona–El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN):

• Commonly known as El Prat Airport, it is located 8 miles (12 km) outside of Barcelona and is the second busiest airport in Spain.
• El Prat served over 41.6 million passengers in 2022 and is a popular choice for travellers heading to the Mediterranean coast.
• The airport caters to both tourists and locals, offering a range of shops and duty-free items.

Málaga–Costa Del Sol Airport (AGP):

• Málaga Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, serving as a gateway to the popular Costa del Sol region.
• It is situated 5 miles (8 km) from the city of Málaga and sees more than 12 million passengers each year, especially during the summer months.
• The airport has three terminals, with the newest, Terminal 3, being twice the size of Terminal 2 and offering a large food hall.

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC):

• Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante Airport is the sixth busiest airport in Spain, handling nearly 30 million passengers annually.
• The airport underwent major renovations in 2011, including the construction of a new terminal capable of handling 30 million travellers.
• Passengers can enjoy various amenities, including retail shopping, a VIP lounge, and a tapas bar.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI):

• Serving the island of Mallorca, this airport accommodates the large crowds visiting the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean island during the summer.
• Palma de Mallorca processes roughly 30 million passengers each year, with flights arriving from across Europe and beyond.

Ibiza Airport (IBZ):

• Ibiza Airport serves as the main gateway to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera, located 4.3 miles (7 km) southwest of Ibiza.
• The airport handles around nine million passengers each year, with 85% of visitors arriving between May and October, coinciding with the summer party season.

Airports in Spain with the Best Amenities

Spain has around 50 airports scattered across the country, ranging from large international hubs to small domestic gateways. Many of these airports offer excellent amenities to travellers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here are some of Spain's airports with notable amenities:

Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

Madrid Barajas Airport is Spain's busiest airport and a major gateway to the country. It is known for its emphasis on speed, efficiency, and traveller comfort. The airport features modern infrastructure, convenient public transport options, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. Madrid Barajas is easily accessible from the city centre, making it a convenient choice for travellers. The airport also prioritises environmental sustainability and actively involves employees, companies, and travellers in awareness campaigns to minimise their environmental impact.

Barcelona International Airport (BCN)

Barcelona International Airport, also known as El Prat Airport, is Spain's second-largest airport. It is located just outside Barcelona, offering easy access to the city and the surrounding Catalonia region. El Prat caters to tourists and locals with a great selection of shops and duty-free items. The airport is popular with low-cost airlines and serves as a hub for Ryanair, Spanair, and Vueling. It also receives flights from major carriers such as British Airways, American Airlines, and Air Canada. Barcelona International Airport provides a convenient gateway to explore the rich history and architecture of Barcelona and the surrounding areas.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

Palma de Mallorca Airport is located on the island of Majorca and is one of the busiest airports in Spain during the summer months. The airport is well-equipped to handle large crowds and offers a range of amenities. It can accommodate around 30 million passengers annually and provides flights to and from various European destinations. Palma de Mallorca is an ideal gateway to enjoy the sunny beaches and explore the historic sites of Majorca and other nearby Mediterranean islands.

Malaga Airport (AGP)

Malaga Airport is a busy international airport serving as a gateway to the Costa del Sol region in southern Spain. It is conveniently located close to the city of Malaga and Torremolinos. The airport features three terminals, with the newest, Terminal 3, offering a spacious layout and a large food hall. Malaga Airport handles over 12 million passengers annually and is known for its efficient operations and convenient connections to popular tourist destinations.

Alicante International Airport (ALC)

Alicante International Airport, situated on the Mediterranean coast, is an ideal gateway to Spain's pristine coastline and beach resorts. The airport underwent significant renovations in 2011, including the addition of a new terminal capable of handling 30 million travellers annually. Alicante International offers a range of amenities, including retail shopping, a VIP lounge, and a delightful tapas bar. It provides convenient connections to other European hubs and is served by various low-cost and full-service airlines.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport, also known locally as "Aeropuerto de Gando", is the busiest aerial hub in the Canary Islands and one of the top five busiest airports in Spain. It offers a pleasant travel experience with a reasonable selection of shops and dining options. The airport staff are known for their warm and friendly service, and clear days offer majestic views of distant mountains. Gran Canaria Airport is a great starting point for exploring the island's natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Airports in Spain with the Best Transport Links

Spain has around 40 airports, most of which are international. The country's airports are well-connected to an extensive transport network, with the majority located less than 20 kilometres from city centres. Here is a list of Spanish airports with the best transport links:

Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

Madrid's airport is Spain's main gateway, especially for international flights. Conveniently located close to the city centre, it is easily accessible by rail or road. It is also the country's busiest airport, serving over 50 million travellers annually.

Barcelona International Airport (BCN)

Also known as El Prat Airport, Barcelona's airport is the second-largest in Spain, serving over 50 million passengers per year. It is just 12 kilometres outside of Barcelona and is well-connected by bus to the city centre.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

Palma de Mallorca Airport is one of the largest airports in Spain, accommodating over 30 million passengers annually. It is the gateway to the popular vacation destination of Majorca, a small Mediterranean island.

Malaga Airport (AGP)

Malaga Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, serving as a tourism gateway to the Costa del Sol region. It is situated 8 kilometres from Malaga city and 5 kilometres from Torremolinos. The airport handles over 12 million passengers annually, with three terminals to facilitate travel.

Alicante International Airport (ALC)

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante International Airport is Spain's sixth-busiest airport. It underwent major renovations in 2011, including the construction of a new terminal capable of handling 30 million travellers annually. Alicante offers a range of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and a metro system.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

Gran Canaria Airport, also known as "Aeropuerto de Gando", is the Canary Islands' busiest aerial hub and Spain's fifth-busiest airport. It is conveniently located close to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island's capital, and handles nearly 23 million passengers per year.

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