Airports of Spain and Its Global Connections

Want to know why Spain’s airports are always taking off? Located between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Spain connects the world with ease. With busy airports like Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, millions of passengers pass through every year, boosting Spain’s economy. In this guide, we’ll show you how Spain’s airports are more than just travel spots—they’re the heart of global connections. So, fasten your seatbelt and let’s dive in!

Exploring Spain’s Airport Network

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

How many airports are there in Spain?

There isn’t a simple answer to “How many airports are in Spain?” Because it has different types of airports. International airports are major hubs that handle a lot 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 also 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.

The airports that serve Spain's most popular tourist destinations are located across several key regions:

• Andalusia: 5 airports (Málaga-Costa del Sol, Seville, Granada, Jerez, Almería)
• Canary Islands: 5 airports (Gran Canaria, Tenerife South, Tenerife North, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura)
• Catalonia: 4 airports (Barcelona-El Prat, Girona-Costa Brava, Reus, Lleida-Alguaire)
• Balearic Islands: 3 airports (Palma de Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza)
• Valencian Community: 2 airports (Valencia Airport, Alicante-Elche Airport)
• Galicia: 2 airports (Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña)
• Madrid: 1 airport (the biggest airport in Spain: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas)
• Aragon: 1 airport (Zaragoza)

Top International Hubs: Spain’s Global Airport Leaders

The airports in Spain’s map are key players in connecting the country to the world. These international hubs serve many destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.

What are the international airports in Spain?

Madrid-Barajas Airport (Spain airport code: MAD) is one of the main international airports in Spain. It is a hub for Iberia and Air Europa and offers flights to over 200 destinations. Many of these flights go to places in Latin America, North America, Asia, and Africa. Madrid-Barajas competes with other big airports like London and Frankfurt. In Madrid, Spain, airport transportation options include the metro, train, airport express bus, public buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is also an important international airport. It connects to 212 destinations around the world. It is a main base for the low-cost airline Vueling and offers flights to Europe, North America, and Asia. In Barcelona, Spain, airport transportation options include Aerobuses, the metro, trains, public buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) mainly connects to European destinations, primarily for tourists visiting Costa Blanca. The airport also has connections to 11 other countries, including Poland. It offers direct flights to cities like Warsaw and Krakow with Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Other airports with many international connections include Palma de Mallorca (PMI), which mainly serves Europe, especially in the busy tourist seasons. Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) is important for flights to Europe, especially to the Costa del Sol area. Additionally, Málaga Airport expanded its global connections in recent years. Gran Canaria (LPA) is also important for flights to and from mainland Spain and other international locations. Finally, Tenerife South (TFS) is essential for connecting the Canary Islands with Europe and other international places. There are also airport service companies in Spain in these areas that serve passengers.

The typical options and the average prices for transportation in Spain airports are shown in the table below, as of 2024.

In addition to these, you can find airport shuttle hotels in Spain. Most hotels offering shuttle services ask guests to book in advance, either during check-in or by contacting the hotel directly. These shuttles are usually free for guests but might operate only during specific hours. It’s a good idea to check the details about luggage limits and possible fees beforehand. To learn more about airport transportation in Spain check out our guide!

Spain’s Busiest Airports

Many of Spain’s airports are among the busiest in Europe. They handle millions of passengers annually, connecting Spain with countries across the globe. The largest ones, such as Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, are especially important for visitors and business trips. This demand has also led to the improvement of the airport shuttle services in Spain.

No data is available yet for the busiest airports in Spain in 2024, but recorded data for the previous year is available. You can find the list of busiest airports in Spain, abbreviations included, according to 2023 data in the table below.

Airports Connecting Spain’s Top Destinations

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and its airports are well-equipped to welcome millions of visitors each year. These airports not only connect travelers to major cities but also provide easy access to Spain’s stunning beaches, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. These easy accessibility options are one of the reasons why people choose Spain to buy property. Here's a look at the airports that serve Spain’s most popular destinations and how they cater to different types of travelers.

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is close to many cultural and historical sites in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park. It also has high-speed rail connections to other popular tourist cities like Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila, making it easy for visitors to explore more of Spain.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the gateway to Barcelona, where tourists can visit famous attractions like the city's beaches, Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and many historical sites. It is also close to other great destinations in Catalonia, such as Tarragona, Girona, and the beautiful Costa Brava.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) serves the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, which are known for their beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and historical sites like the Alcázar of Palma. It is the main entry point for tourists visiting these popular islands.

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is located near the famous Costa del Sol, known for its beaches and resorts. Cities like Marbella and Nerja are easily accessible, as well as historical sites in Málaga such as the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. This airport also offers direct access to Seville and Granada, where visitors can see the Alhambra and Royal Alcázar.

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is perfect for tourists visiting Costa Blanca, with easy access to the beaches of Alicante, Benidorm, and Calpe. The area also has cultural sites like the Santa Bárbara Castle, which draws many visitors each year.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) serves the Canary Islands, with Gran Canaria offering beautiful beaches, resorts, and cultural attractions in Las Palmas. It’s a popular spot for tourists looking to relax and explore the local culture.

Tenerife South Airport (TFS) serves Tenerife and the Canary Islands, providing access to unique volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and resorts. Tourists can also visit popular attractions like Mount Teide, which is one of the main highlights of the island.