Lorraine Williamson
Travellers heading to Galicia face a month of disruption after Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport closed to all flights for major runway works. The Santiago airport closure began on 23 April and is due to last until 27 May 2026, with no take-offs or landings during the works. Airport operator Aena says the closure is needed for runway resurfacing and renovation.
Unlike many airport works, this is not a partial timetable change. Santiago’s airport is closed completely to air traffic.
That means passengers due to fly in or out of Santiago during the closure period must check directly with their airline for cancellations, rebooking or alternative routes. Aena advises travellers with questions about flight status or schedule changes to contact their airline.
The closure affects one of northern Spain’s key airports. Santiago is Galicia’s busiest airport and a major gateway for visitors to the region.
UK travellers among those affected
The disruption is likely to be felt by British passengers, especially those using Santiago for city breaks, Galicia holidays or the Camino de Santiago.
UK routes normally connect Santiago with airports including London Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, according to travel reports. Airlines serving the airport include Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and British Airways.
Passengers should not assume they have been automatically rerouted. Anyone booked between now and 27 May should check airline emails, apps and booking references carefully.
A Coruña takes extra pressure
Much of the diverted traffic is being handled by A Coruña Airport, also known as Alvedro.
Local reporting says A Coruña has increased its operations by around 70% during the Santiago closure, with 1,486 movements expected before 27 May. Extra routes include London-Heathrow, Paris-Orly, Málaga, Sevilla and Palma.
Aena has also introduced support measures at A Coruña, including extra parking, shuttle services, taxi reinforcement, car-hire support and more security and cleaning staff.
Extra buses between Santiago and A Coruña
The Xunta de Galicia has reinforced bus connections between Santiago and A Coruña Airport during the closure.
Services now run between Santiago’s intermodal station and Alvedro, with extra daily departures in both directions. This should help passengers who still need to reach Santiago after landing in A Coruña.
Even so, travellers should allow more time than usual. Road transfers, luggage delays and crowded services may all add stress, especially around weekends and public holidays.
Camino visitors should plan carefully
The timing is awkward for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, as late April and May are popular months on the route.
Many walkers use Santiago airport either at the start of their trip or when returning home after reaching the cathedral. During the closure, alternatives include A Coruña, Vigo and Porto, depending on route, airline and onward transport.
Those finishing the Camino in Santiago should plan the final airport transfer before booking accommodation or return flights.
What travellers should do now
Anyone affected by the Santiago airport closure should contact their airline first. That is the quickest way to confirm refunds, rerouting or replacement flights.
Travellers should also check whether their new airport is A Coruña, Vigo, Porto or another Spanish hub. A cheap replacement flight may become expensive if onward transport is not included.
For now, Santiago airport remains closed until 27 May 2026. If the works finish as planned, flights should resume before the main summer travel season begins.