As well as Ryanair Vueling and Iberia passengers could also be impacted
16:09, 18 Apr 2026Updated 17:20, 19 Apr 2026
Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and British Airways passengers will all be impacted(Image: NGCHIYUI via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers have been urged to check their travel plans as a major Spanish airport is set to close for several weeks this spring.
Santiago de Compostela Airport in north-west Spain will suspend all operations from Thursday, April 23 until Wednesday, May 27, meaning no take-offs or landings will be permitted during the closure. The shutdown is part of a €31 million upgrade programme announced by Spanish airport operator AENA, which includes major resurfacing works on the airport’s main runway.
While the improvements are intended to boost safety and efficiency, they require a full closure lasting just over five weeks.
The disruption could affect thousands of UK passengers, with airlines including Ryanair, Vueling and Iberia operating services to the airport, as initially reported by The Mirror.
Routes typically connect the region with major Spanish hubs such as Barcelona and Madrid, alongside UK flights. On average, around 30 UK-bound flights land at Santiago de Compostela each week. With aircraft carrying roughly 180 passengers, as many as 4,500 British holidaymakers could be impacted during the closure period.
Aena confirmed: “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 region during the closure are being advised to use alternative airports nearby.
One alternative is Vigo Airport, located roughly 61 miles south of Santiago, or just over an hour’s drive away.
The affected city, Santiago de Compostela, is the capital of Galicia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It is also famously the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.
