Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, with millions of travelers arriving every year to explore its rich culture, historical landmarks, sunny beaches, and diverse regions. As a large European nation with both mainland territories and island groups, Spain requires a well-developed aviation network to connect its cities domestically and to link the country with international destinations. The country has numerous airports, ranging from major international hubs like Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat to smaller domestic airports serving the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and regional cities. In this article, we provide the complete list of airports in Spain, covering both international and domestic airports, while also explaining their roles in connectivity and transportation.
International Airports in Spain
Spain is home to several major international airports that serve as entry points for visitors from around the globe. These airports handle the bulk of international passenger traffic and often double as domestic hubs.
Key International Airports in Spain
- Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) – The largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest in Europe, serving as the central hub for both international and domestic flights.
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) – A major international gateway in Catalonia, offering extensive European and intercontinental connections.
- Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) – The busiest airport in the Balearic Islands, handling millions of tourists each year.
- Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) – Serving Andalusia, it is one of the busiest tourist airports in Spain.
- Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) – Key for tourism on the Costa Blanca, with flights to many European destinations.
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) – A major hub in the Canary Islands, serving both international and domestic passengers.
- Tenerife South Airport (TFS) – Important for international travel to the Canary Islands, particularly from Europe.
- Valencia Airport (VLC) – Handles both international and domestic flights, serving Spain’s eastern coast.
- Seville Airport (SVQ) – Serves Andalusia, with increasing international routes.
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) – Key airport for the Basque Country, with both European and domestic links.
Domestic Airports in Spain
Alongside international gateways, Spain has a wide network of domestic airports that ensure connectivity within the country, particularly between the mainland and the island territories. These airports are vital for regional development and tourism.
Mainland Spain
- Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) – Serves domestic routes and operates as a logistics hub.
- Santander Airport (SDR) – Provides regional connectivity in northern Spain.
- Murcia International Airport (RMU) – Serves the Murcia region with domestic and European flights.
- Almeria Airport (LEI) – Offers domestic connections within Andalusia and beyond.
Balearic Islands
- Ibiza Airport (IBZ) – Key airport in the Balearics, connecting with Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities.
- Menorca Airport (MAH) – Provides domestic travel options between Menorca and the mainland.
Canary Islands
- Tenerife North Airport (TFN) – Handles inter-island flights and domestic routes to Madrid and Barcelona.
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE) – Links Lanzarote with Spain’s mainland cities.
- Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) – Provides connectivity for the Canary Islands with domestic destinations.
- La Palma Airport (SPC) – A smaller domestic airport serving La Palma island.
Comparison Table of Airports in Spain
| Region | Airport Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Madrid-Barajas (MAD) | International |
| Catalonia | Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) | International |
| Balearic Islands | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | International |
| Balearic Islands | Ibiza Airport (IBZ) | Domestic |
| Canary Islands | Gran Canaria (LPA) | International |
| Canary Islands | Tenerife North (TFN) | Domestic |
| Andalusia | Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) | International |
| Basque Country | Bilbao Airport (BIO) | International |
| Murcia | Murcia International Airport (RMU) | Domestic |
| Cantabria | Santander Airport (SDR) | Domestic |
Busiest Airports in Spain
Spain’s busiest airports are primarily international hubs that also serve extensive domestic routes.
- Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) – Handles the highest passenger traffic in Spain.
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) – The second-busiest airport, with strong domestic and international demand.
- Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) – The busiest in the Balearic Islands, supporting both tourism and local travel.
- Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) – The largest in Andalusia, serving millions of passengers each year.
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) – The busiest in the Canary Islands, with strong domestic connectivity.
Significance of Airports in Spain’s Transportation Network
Airports in Spain are not only travel hubs but also engines of economic growth. They promote tourism, enable business travel, and create thousands of jobs. For islands like the Balearics and the Canaries, airports are lifelines that guarantee accessibility and trade. On the mainland, airports complement Spain’s high-speed rail system, offering faster alternatives for long-distance routes.
READ ALSO: List of Airlines in Spain: International and Domestic Airlines
Frequently Asked Questions On List of Airports in Spain
1. How many airports are there in Spain in total?
Spain has more than 40 commercial airports, with a mix of major international hubs and regional domestic airports across the mainland, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands.
2. Which is the largest airport in Spain?
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is the largest airport in Spain and also one of the busiest in Europe.
3. What are the busiest airports in Spain?
The busiest airports in Spain include Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), and Gran Canaria (LPA).
4. Does Spain have more international or domestic airports?
Spain has a good balance of both, but its international airports such as Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga handle the majority of passenger traffic.
5. Why are domestic airports important in Spain?
Domestic airports are essential for connecting mainland Spain to its island territories, such as the Balearic and Canary Islands, and for linking regional cities with national hubs.
6. Which airports serve the Balearic Islands?
The Balearic Islands are served by Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Ibiza Airport (IBZ), and Menorca Airport (MAH).
7. Which airports serve the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are served by several airports, including Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife South (TFS), Tenerife North (TFN), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE), and La Palma (SPC).
8. Is Barcelona-El Prat only an international airport?
No, Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is both an international and domestic airport, with numerous connections across Spain.
9. What is the difference between international and domestic airports in Spain?
International airports in Spain handle flights to and from other countries, while domestic airports primarily connect Spanish cities and islands within the national territory.
10. Which Spanish airports are most important for tourism?
Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Malaga-Costa del Sol, Tenerife South, and Alicante-Elche are among the most important airports for tourism in Spain.
SEE ALSO: List of Cities and Towns in Spain with 30 Major Locations
Conclusion – List of Airports in Spain
The complete list of airports in Spain demonstrates how vital air travel is to the country’s connectivity and development. From world-class international hubs like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller domestic airports in regions such as Menorca, Fuerteventura, and Santander, Spain maintains a balanced aviation system that serves both local and global travelers. With ongoing growth in tourism and improvements in transport infrastructure, airports in Spain will continue to play a central role in linking regions and supporting the economy.