Santiago de Compostela Airport in northwest Spain will shut completely to air traffic from April 23 to May 27, cancelling all scheduled flights and disrupting travel plans for thousands of UK passengers. The closure, confirmed by Spanish airport operator Aena, is due to major runway resurfacing works that will halt all takeoffs and landings for more than a month.
The timing has put the airport’s shutdown into sharp focus for British travellers, with around 30 weekly flights typically operating between the UK and Santiago. Routes from London Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow are among those affected, with airlines including Ryanair, British Airways, Vueling and Iberia suspending services during the period.
With most aircraft on these routes carrying close to 180 passengers, the disruption could impact an estimated 5,000 to 5,400 UK travellers each week. For many, particularly those travelling for spring holidays or religious journeys along the Camino de Santiago, the closure removes a key entry point into Galicia at short notice.
Full airport shutdown adds pressure on alternative routes
Unlike partial disruptions or seasonal schedule changes, the Santiago closure is absolute. No flights will operate at the airport during the five-week window, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute passengers entirely rather than adjust timings. That significantly limits flexibility for travellers, especially those booked on low-cost carriers.
The airport primarily connects northern Spain with major domestic hubs such as Madrid and Barcelona, alongside international routes including the UK. Its closure will therefore shift passenger demand onto nearby airports such as A Coruña and Vigo, as well as larger hubs like Madrid, increasing pressure on already busy spring schedules.
For travellers, this often translates into longer journey times, higher costs and more complex itineraries involving trains or additional domestic flights. The knock-on effects may also include limited seat availability and rising fares on alternative routes as demand is redirected.
What UK travellers should do now
Passengers booked to travel during the closure period are being advised to check their flight status directly with their airline. Most carriers will offer options such as rebooking onto alternative routes, rescheduling travel dates or requesting refunds, although availability will depend on demand and timing.
Travellers should also review their wider plans carefully. A rerouted flight to another Spanish city may require changes to accommodation, car hire or onward transport, particularly for those heading to Santiago as part of the Camino pilgrimage route.
Planning ahead is key. Exploring alternative airports early can improve the chances of securing reasonable fares and convenient connections before availability tightens further. Spain’s airport operator Aena has said passengers with questions about schedules or rebooking should contact their airline directly, as the closure will affect all air traffic without exception.
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