Spain, a major European travel hub known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and sun-soaked coastlines, relies heavily on its extensive network of airports to accommodate millions of tourists and business travelers annually. Managed primarily by Aena, Spain’s leading airport operator, the country’s airports connect major cities like Madrid and Barcelona with popular tourist destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands. In 2023, Aena’s network handled a record-breaking 283.1 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2.9%.
While comprehensive data for 2025 is not yet available, projections based on recent trends and partial 2025 statistics indicate continued growth. This article explores Spain’s top busiest airports in 2025, focusing on passenger traffic, key features, and their significance as travel gateways, based on the latest available data and trends.
1. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Passenger Traffic (2023): 60.2 million (+18.9% from 2022)
Location: 13 km northeast of Madrid’s city center
Key Features: As Spain’s largest and busiest airport, Madrid-Barajas is a critical hub for both domestic and international flights. Covering 7,500 acres, it ranks among Europe’s largest airports by physical size, alongside Paris-Charles de Gaulle. The airport has five terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T4S), with T4 and T4S connected by a driverless Airport People Mover. It serves as the primary hub for Iberia, Spain’s national carrier, and facilitates connections to Europe, Latin America, and beyond. In March 2025, Madrid-Barajas handled over 5.5 million passengers (+3% from 2024) and 70,919 tonnes of cargo, setting a record for March cargo traffic. Its strategic location and extensive flight network make it the main gateway for international travelers, especially from Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.
2. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Passenger Traffic (2023): 49.9 million (+19.9% from 2022)
Location: 12 km southwest of Barcelona city center
Key Features: Barcelona-El Prat, Catalonia’s main airport, is Spain’s second-busiest and a key hub for Vueling, Level, and Air Nostrum. With two terminals (T1 and T2) and three asphalt-concrete runways, it handled over 4.3 million passengers in March 2025 (+1.8% from 2024). The airport is renowned for its modern architecture and efficient services, catering to Barcelona’s status as a top tourist destination known for landmarks like the Sagrada Família and vibrant cultural scene. It connects to major European cities and serves as a secondary gateway for long-haul flights. Its proximity to the city center and excellent transport links, including airport buses and trains, enhance accessibility for travelers.
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3. Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Passenger Traffic (2023): 31.1 million (+8.9% from 2022)
Location: 8 km east of Palma, Balearic Islands
Key Features: Also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, Palma de Mallorca is Spain’s third-largest and busiest airport, particularly during the summer tourist season. A hub for Air Europa, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling, it serves as a gateway to the Balearic Islands’ popular resorts. In 2023, it handled 31.1 million passengers, reflecting its role as a key destination for European tourists seeking Mediterranean beaches. The airport features one main terminal and good connectivity to Palma and nearby resorts via bus lines. Its high volume of seasonal traffic, especially from Germany and the UK, makes it one of Europe’s busiest airports during peak months.
4. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Passenger Traffic (2023): 22.3 million (+21.2% from 2022)
Location: 8 km southwest of Málaga, 5 km north of Torremolinos
Key Features: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is Spain’s fourth-busiest and the primary gateway to the Costa del Sol, a major tourist region. Serving over 60 countries, it is a focus city for EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, and Vueling. In March 2025, it saw nearly 1.9 million passengers (+8.3% from 2024), marking one of the highest growth rates among Spain’s major airports. With two runways and three terminals (all departures via Terminal 3), Málaga handles significant international traffic, particularly from the UK and EU. Its facilities include a large food hall and modern amenities, though travelers note occasional construction-related disruptions.
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5. Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)
Passenger Traffic (2023): 15.7 million (+19.6% from 2022)
Location: 9 km southwest of Alicante, 10 km east of Elche
Key Features: Alicante-Elche, the fifth-busiest airport in Spain, serves the Valencian Community and Murcia, catering to tourists visiting Costa Blanca resorts like Benidorm. It handled 15.7 million passengers in 2023, with 80% of flights to international destinations, primarily in Europe. A base for Air Nostrum, Evelop Airlines, Norwegian, Ryanair, and Vueling, the airport features a modern New Terminal (replacing T1 and T2) capable of handling 30 million passengers annually. Its amenities include retail shops, a tapas bar, and photo booths, making it a traveler-friendly hub. Alicante’s year-round mild climate boosts its appeal for tourists.
6. Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~13.2 million (based on 2022 data, 2023 estimates higher)
Location: 19 km south of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Key Features: Also known as Gando Airport, Gran Canaria is the sixth-busiest airport in Spain and the busiest in the Canary Islands. A hub for Binter Canarias, NAYSA, Ryanair, Norwegian, and Vueling, it serves both domestic and international routes, with strong connections to tourist resorts in the south. In March 2025, it recorded one of its busiest months ever, reflecting its importance for Canary Islands tourism. The airport offers a single terminal, a range of shops, dining options, and scenic views of distant mountains on clear days. Its passenger traffic benefits from year-round warm weather, attracting European visitors.
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7. Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~11.1 million (based on 2022 data, 2023 estimates higher)
Location: 60 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Key Features: Tenerife South, also known as Reina Sofía Airport, is the second-busiest in the Canary Islands and seventh in Spain. It serves popular holiday resorts like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, handling significant international traffic, especially in summer and winter. A hub for Binter Canarias, Ryanair, and others, it recorded a record-breaking month in March 2025. The airport’s single runway supports both commercial and charter flights, with efficient transport links to nearby resorts. Its role in connecting Tenerife to Europe underscores its importance for tourism.
Trends and Outlook for 2025
Spain’s airports continue to see robust growth in 2025, driven by a rebound in tourism and enhanced connectivity. Aena reported 78.3 million passengers across its network in the first quarter of 2025, a 4.9% increase from 2024. Airports like Málaga, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife South have shown particularly strong growth, reflecting the enduring appeal of Spain’s coastal and island destinations. Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat remain dominant due to their roles as international and business hubs, while regional airports like Alicante and Palma de Mallorca thrive on seasonal tourism. Travelers are advised to book flights early, especially for summer months, as June and July are peak seasons. For the latest updates, check Aena’s official statistics at www.aena.es.
Conclusion
Spain’s busiest airports, led by Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, and Palma de Mallorca, are vital gateways to the country’s diverse regions. From the cultural hubs of Madrid and Barcelona to the sun-drenched beaches of Málaga and the Canary Islands, these airports facilitate millions of journeys annually. With modern facilities, strategic locations, and robust airline networks, they ensure seamless travel experiences. As Spain anticipates up to 99 million international tourists in 2025, its airports are poised to remain among Europe’s busiest, connecting travelers to the nation’s rich heritage and vibrant destinations.
Image Credits- Adolfo Suarez Madrid Airport