Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in northern Spain will be closed from April 23 to May 27, 2026 for runway resurfacing works. During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, with no takeoffs or landings, and all scheduled flights are cancelled. The airport is the second-busiest in northern Spain and the biggest and busiest in Galicia, typically handling 30 flights a week from the UK.
This closure could impact thousands of British tourists, with flights from the UK usually accommodating 180 passengers, meaning an estimated 5,400 Brits could be affected by the cancellations. April and May are popular months for travellers undertaking the Camino de Santiago in Galicia, so the closure will significantly affect pilgrims. Major airlines flying from the UK to the airport include Ryanair, Iberia, British Airways, and Vueling, with the busiest international routes from the airport being London Stansted, London Heathrow, and London Gatwick.
Alternative airports for travellers include A Coruña Airport, about 40 miles away under an hour's drive, Vigo Airport about 55 miles away, Porto, and Madrid. A spokesperson for Spanish airport operator Aena advised that passengers with questions about flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking should contact their airline. The total number of passengers affected beyond the estimated 5,400 Brits has not been confirmed, and it is unclear if the runway works will be completed exactly on May 27 or if there could be delays.
Specific compensation or rebooking options from airlines and any special arrangements for Camino de Santiago pilgrims, such as increased ground transportation, have not been detailed.