Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, welcoming millions of travelers each year who come for its unique blend of history, culture, beaches, and business opportunities, and these list of international airports in Spain play a central role in making this possible. With its strategic position in Southern Europe and strong connections to the Americas, Africa, and the rest of Europe, Spain has built an extensive aviation network that supports not only tourism but also trade, education, and global travel.
The presence of international airports in almost every region of Spain means that travelers can conveniently access major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, famous holiday destinations like the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as well as smaller regional cities that are well-connected through Europe’s low-cost airline network. Understanding the layout and role of these airports is essential for tourists, students, and professionals who wish to navigate the country efficiently.
This blog provides a complete guide to all international airports in Spain, with a special focus on the busiest hubs, transportation links, and their contribution to Spain’s global connectivity.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- List of International Airports in Spain
- Major International Airports in Spain
- Accessibility and Transportation
- Role of Airports in Spanish Tourism and Economy
- Top 10 Busiest Airports in Spain
- Airlines and Global Connectivity
- Conclusion
List of International Airports in Spain
Spain’s network of international airports covers both the mainland and the islands, providing extensive options for travelers. Below is a categorized list by airport name, city, and region:
| Airport Name | City | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas | Madrid | Community of Madrid |
| Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat | Barcelona | Catalonia |
| Palma de Mallorca Airport | Palma | Balearic Islands |
| Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport | Málaga | Andalusia |
| Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández | Alicante | Valencian Community |
| Gran Canaria Airport | Las Palmas | Canary Islands |
| Tenerife South Airport | Santa Cruz | Canary Islands |
| Valencia Airport | Valencia | Valencian Community |
| Seville Airport | Seville | Andalusia |
| Bilbao Airport | Bilbao | Basque Country |
| Ibiza Airport | Ibiza | Balearic Islands |
| Menorca Airport | Mahón | Balearic Islands |
| Lanzarote Airport | Arrecife | Canary Islands |
| Fuerteventura Airport | Puerto del Rosario | Canary Islands |
| Santiago de Compostela Airport | Santiago | Galicia |
| Asturias Airport | Oviedo | Asturias |
| Girona–Costa Brava Airport | Girona | Catalonia |
| Reus Airport | Reus | Catalonia |
| Jerez Airport | Jerez de la Frontera | Andalusia |
| Murcia–Corvera Airport | Murcia | Region of Murcia |
List of International Airports in Spain (by City and Major Destinations)
| Airport Name | City | Major International Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) | Madrid | London, Paris, New York, Dubai, Frankfurt |
| Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) | Barcelona | Rome, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Lisbon |
| Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) | Palma de Mallorca | Berlin, London, Brussels, Zurich, Milan |
| Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) | Málaga | Dublin, Manchester, Copenhagen, Paris, Geneva |
| Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) | Alicante | Oslo, Stockholm, Brussels, London, Frankfurt |
| Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) | Las Palmas | Madrid, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan |
| Tenerife South Airport (TFS) | Tenerife | London, Manchester, Munich, Paris, Rome |
| Ibiza Airport (IBZ) | Ibiza | Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Paris, Barcelona |
| Valencia Airport (VLC) | Valencia | London, Rome, Paris, Munich, Lisbon |
| Bilbao Airport (BIO) | Bilbao | Madrid, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Amsterdam |
| Seville Airport (SVQ) | Seville | Barcelona, Madrid, London, Rome, Brussels |
| Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) | Santiago de Compostela | Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris |
Major International Airports in Spain
While Spain has a wide network of airports, several serve as major international gateways.
Madrid Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
Madrid Barajas is Spain’s largest and busiest airport, handling over 60 million passengers annually. Located just 12 kilometers from Madrid’s city center, it acts as Iberia Airlines’ main hub and offers connections to Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It has four passenger terminals, excellent shopping and dining facilities, and a direct metro line that links the airport to central Madrid.
Barcelona Josep Tarradellas El Prat Airport (BCN)
Barcelona El Prat is Spain’s second-busiest airport, strategically located 15 kilometers from Barcelona city. It is a major base for Vueling and Ryanair, while also hosting numerous international carriers. Known for its modern terminals and strong links to European destinations, it is a popular entry point for tourists visiting Catalonia.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Located in the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca Airport is one of the busiest seasonal airports in Europe. It caters heavily to tourism, especially during the summer, with flights from Germany, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. It has well-organized terminals and direct bus connections to Palma city center.
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
As the main gateway to southern Spain and the Costa del Sol, Málaga Airport serves millions of tourists every year. It has three terminals and excellent facilities, including rail and bus links to the city and nearby resorts. It is especially important for UK travelers who make up a large portion of visitors to the region.
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)
Alicante Airport is another hub for Mediterranean tourism, serving the Costa Blanca. It is a key base for Ryanair and EasyJet, offering extensive low-cost connections across Europe. The airport is located just 9 kilometers from Alicante and is well connected by bus and taxi services.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Gran Canaria Airport is the busiest in the Canary Islands, providing year-round connections due to the islands’ popularity as a holiday destination. It has routes to Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with facilities tailored to both tourists and local travelers.
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Tenerife South is another major hub in the Canary Islands, handling international traffic from across Europe. It is particularly busy in winter when travelers seek warm-weather destinations.
Accessibility and Transportation
Spain’s international airports are well integrated with transport systems, ensuring smooth connections for passengers. Madrid and Barcelona airports are directly linked to metro and high-speed train networks, while airports in tourist regions like Málaga and Palma de Mallorca offer extensive bus and shuttle services. Taxi and car rental options are widely available, ensuring travelers can reach their final destinations with ease.
Role of Airports in Spanish Tourism and Economy
Airports in Spain are crucial to its position as one of the world’s top tourism destinations. Millions of visitors rely on air travel to reach the beaches of the Costa del Sol, the historic cities of Andalusia, the ski resorts of the Pyrenees, and the islands of the Balearics and Canaries. Apart from tourism, airports like Madrid Barajas also act as key business and trade hubs, strengthening Spain’s role in global commerce.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in Spain
| Rank | Airport Name | City | Passengers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madrid Barajas (MAD) | Madrid | 60M+ |
| 2 | Barcelona El Prat (BCN) | Barcelona | 50M+ |
| 3 | Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | Palma | 29M+ |
| 4 | Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) | Málaga | 19M+ |
| 5 | Alicante–Elche (ALC) | Alicante | 15M+ |
| 6 | Gran Canaria (LPA) | Las Palmas | 13M+ |
| 7 | Tenerife South (TFS) | Tenerife | 12M+ |
| 8 | Valencia (VLC) | Valencia | 8M+ |
| 9 | Seville (SVQ) | Seville | 7M+ |
| 10 | Bilbao (BIO) | Bilbao | 6M+ |
Airlines and Global Connectivity
Spain is home to Iberia Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, which operates long-haul connections from Madrid. Barcelona serves as a hub for Vueling, while Ryanair and EasyJet have made Spain one of their strongest markets for low-cost travel. This combination of traditional and budget airlines ensures Spain remains highly accessible to the world.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Largest Seaports in Spain For International Trade
Conclusion – List of International Airports in Spain
International airports in Spain play a fundamental role in the country’s status as a global tourism powerhouse. From Madrid and Barcelona, which connect the nation to every continent, to regional airports in the islands and coastal regions that make holiday travel seamless, Spain’s aviation infrastructure is both vast and efficient. For travelers, students, and professionals, these airports are more than just transit points; they are gateways into Spain’s culture, economy, and vibrant lifestyle.
SEE ALSO: Domestic Airports in Spain: Complete List and Their Role
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – List of International Airports in Spain
Q1: What is the busiest international airport in Spain?
A1: The busiest airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), handling over 60 million passengers annually and serving as the main hub for Iberia Airlines.
Q2: How many international airports are there in Spain?
A2: Spain has over 30 international airports, with major hubs in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Alicante.
Q3: Which airport should I use when traveling to Barcelona?
A3: Travelers heading to Barcelona should use Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), which is located just 15 kilometers from the city center.
Q4: What airport is best for reaching the Canary Islands?
A4: The Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS) are the main international gateways to the Canary Islands.
Q5: Which airport serves Spain’s Costa del Sol region?
A5: The primary gateway to the Costa del Sol is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which handles millions of holiday travelers every year.
Q6: Which Spanish airports are most student-friendly?
A6: Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat are most student-friendly due to extensive global connections and access to Spain’s high-speed rail network.
Q7: Do Spanish airports offer direct flights to the United States?
A7: Yes, airports like Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat provide direct flights to major US cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Q8: Which airports in Spain are used by low-cost airlines?
A8: Airports such as Alicante, Málaga, Girona, and Reus are strong bases for low-cost airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling.
Q9: What is the closest airport to central Madrid?
A9: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the closest major airport to Madrid, located just 12 kilometers from the city center.
Q10: Why are international airports important for Spain’s tourism industry?
A10: Spain’s international airports act as gateways for millions of visitors each year, supporting tourism in destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, which are central to Spain’s economy.