The closure for runway resurfacing will disrupt thousands of travelers during the peak May holiday season.
Category: Travel
Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport in northern Spain will be closed from April 23 to May 27, 2026, for runway resurfacing works, affecting all flight operations. The airport, located near Santiago de Compostela, is the busiest in Galicia and the second-busiest in northern Spain, handling millions of passengers every month.
This closure coincides with the May half-term holidays, a peak travel period, and is expected to impact hundreds of journeys, particularly for travelers from the UK, as airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and Vueling operate numerous flights to and from the airport. Aena, the Spanish airport operator overseeing the €31 million upgrade, has confirmed that no takeoffs or landings will occur during this period.
Travelers planning to fly into or out of Santiago de Compostela during this time are strongly advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight statuses and possible rebooking options. The airport closure is part of a broader effort to modernize the region's aviation infrastructure, ensuring that it can accommodate increasing passenger demand safely and efficiently.
The Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport serves as a key hub for flights to major European destinations, including the UK. Approximately 30 flights from various UK airports, including London Stansted, London Heathrow, and London Gatwick, typically arrive at Santiago each week. With an average of 180 passengers per flight, the closure could potentially affect around 4,500 British holidaymakers.
In addition to the runway resurfacing, travelers to Spain are facing disruption due to an indefinite strike by airport staff that began on March 30, 2026. Groundforce and Menzies employees are staging work stoppages at 12 major airports, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Alicante. These strikes, which involve partial work stoppages on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, have compounded the travel chaos, leading to delays and cancellations across the country.
As the closure of Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport approaches, travelers are encouraged to explore alternative airports such as A Coruña and Vigo, which are situated within a reasonable distance. The closure is expected to lead to congestion and longer wait times at these alternative airports due to the increased volume of diverted traffic.
In light of the airport closure, affected passengers should take proactive steps to manage their travel plans. They are encouraged to contact their airlines directly for updates on cancellations, rebookings, or alternative routes. Airlines have been advised to assist passengers by providing information about potential flights from nearby airports.
For those who have booked package holidays that include flights to Santiago during the closure, it is important to note that tour operators are legally obligated to offer alternative arrangements or full refunds. Under UK and EU regulations, travelers are entitled to either a cash refund or rebooking to the next available flight, depending on their preference.
As the closure period coincides with a peak travel season, it is prudent for travelers to plan ahead, allowing for extra time when using alternative transport methods such as high-speed trains or buses. Travelers are also advised to stay updated on the status of the airport strikes affecting other major Spanish hubs, as these may influence their travel plans.
As Spain continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santiago airport closure highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in travel planning. With the airport's modernization efforts underway, passengers can expect improved facilities and services in the future.
In the meantime, travelers should remain vigilant about their travel arrangements and monitor updates from their airlines closely. As of now, the airport remains closed to all air traffic until May 27, 2026, and no flights will operate during this period.