One of northern Spain’s busiest airports will shut down for more than a month starting this week, as engineers carry out essential runway maintenance. Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, located in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, will close to all air traffic from Thursday 23 April until Wednesday 27 May.
The airport, operated by the Spanish state-owned company AENA, handled 3.1 million passengers in 2025. The five-week closure is expected to affect thousands of travellers, particularly those planning holidays in the region ahead of the peak summer period.
“During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place,” the airport said in a statement on its website. Major carriers including Ryanair, Vueling and Iberia operate routes to and from Santiago-Rosalía, meaning many passengers will need to rearrange their itineraries.
The airport has advised affected travellers to contact their airlines directly for information about schedule changes, flight status and rebooking options.
Alternative Airports in Galicia
Galicia remains a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering rugged coastlines, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and swimming. For those still planning to visit, several nearby airports provide alternatives.
A Coruña Airport, also known as Alvedro, lies about 50 minutes by car from Santiago de Compostela. While it primarily serves domestic routes, it does offer some international connections from London Heathrow, Geneva, Paris and Milan. The airport is also set to add new routes from Rome, Frankfurt and Warsaw in 2026.
Another option is Vigo Airport, which has flights from London Luton, Milan, Geneva and Marrakech. However, many of these involve a stopover, typically in Madrid or Barcelona, though Ryanair occasionally operates direct seasonal services. Travellers flying into Vigo should expect a roughly 90-minute drive to reach central Galicia.
The disruption at Santiago-Rosalía comes at a time when Spanish aviation is already under strain. Fourteen airports across the country are facing significant delays and cancellations due to ongoing strikes and walk-outs by air traffic controller unions, including CCOO and USCA. The industrial action has compounded the challenges for airlines and passengers alike.
For those planning European travel this spring, the situation highlights the importance of checking flight status and considering flexible booking policies. The broader context of jet fuel shortages and airline consolidation is also reshaping travel patterns across the continent.
Passengers with bookings through Santiago-Rosalía during the closure period should act promptly to secure alternative arrangements, as summer demand is expected to push up prices on remaining routes.
