Santiago Airport to Close for Runway Works in Spring 2026
Santiago de Compostela Airport will suspend flights between 23 April and 27 May 2026 while runway resurfacing works take place. During this period, no flights will take off or land, affecting both domestic and international connections. The airport operator Aena confirmed that the closure is required to carry out maintenance aimed at preserving operational safety standards and supporting long-term airport infrastructure reliability.
Around 30 weekly flights usually connect the airport with the United Kingdom, including routes from London Stansted, London Gatwick and London Heathrow. Airlines operating these services include Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and British Airways. Based on average passenger numbers, approximately 5,400 travellers from the UK may need to adjust travel plans while the runway remains closed and scheduled services are temporarily suspended.
During the closure, access to Santiago de Compostela may require arrival via nearby airports. A Coruña Airport is about 42 miles north of the city and can be reached in under an hour by car. Vigo Airport is located around 61 miles to the south. Porto Airport in northern Portugal, roughly a two-hour drive away, provides a larger selection of flights from the UK.
Alternative arrival options during the closure
- A Coruña Airport – about 42 miles north of Santiago
- Vigo Airport – around 61 miles south of the city
- Porto Airport – wider range of UK routes
- Madrid and Barcelona – onward domestic connections
Santiago de Compostela is known as the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Its historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Cathedral of Santiago, where Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements appear in one structure. Many visitors also go to Mercado de Abastos, a central food market offering Galician seafood, regional dishes and the traditional almond cake Tarta de Santiago.
The runway works may lead some visitors to reach Galicia through nearby airports instead of flying directly to Santiago de Compostela. A Coruña, Vigo and Porto remain the closest alternatives, with onward travel by road or rail. Plans connected with the Camino de Santiago or visits to the historic centre may require additional travel time during the closure period.
