Santiago de Compostela Airport in Spain will shut for more than five weeks from April 23, affecting thousands of UK holidaymakers – no departures or arrivals will be allowed during the closure period
A major Spanish airport is preparing to close for several weeks this spring with British travellers advised to check their holiday plans. Santiago de Compostela Airport in north-west Spain will halt all operations from Thursday, April 23 until Wednesday, May, 27 meaning no departures or arrivals will be allowed during the closure period.
The shutdown is part of a €31 million improvement scheme announced by Spanish airport operator AENA, which includes extensive resurfacing work on the airport’s primary runway. While the enhancements are intended to boost safety and operational efficiency, they require a total closure spanning just over five weeks.
The disruption may impact thousands of UK travellers, with carriers including Ryanair, Vueling and Iberia running services to the facility, as first reported by The Mirror.
Flight paths usually link the area with key Spanish centres like Barcelona and Madrid, plus UK connections. Typically, approximately 30 Britain-bound flights touch down at Santiago de Compostela weekly. With planes carrying around 180 passengers, up to 4,500 British tourists could face disruption throughout the shutdown.
Aena stated: “The airport will be closed from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway resurfacing works. During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.
“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.” Travellers still planning to visit the area during the closure are being advised to look at nearby alternative airports.
One possibility is Vigo Airport, located roughly 61 miles south of Santiago, or approximately an hour’s drive away.
The impacted city, Santiago de Compostela, acts as Galicia’s capital and boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status, renowned for its Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It’s also widely known as the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.
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