After weeks of disruption, travellers and holidaymakers can finally breathe a sigh of relief: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) in northern Spain has reopened following a month-long full closure. Since 27 May 2026, air traffic has been operating normally again after extensive runway works were completed.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Month-long closure due to construction work
The airport had been fully closed since 23 April 2026 due to extensive runway works that made ongoing flight operations impossible. During this period, all air traffic came to a complete standstill, with no take-offs or landings, and all flights were diverted. For travellers, this meant significant disruption, as thousands of passengers were affected daily and had to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Major infrastructure upgrade
As part of the works, the approximately 3.2-kilometre runway was completely resurfaced. In addition, several technical systems were upgraded, including runway lighting, drainage systems, and other safety-related infrastructure. The aim of these measures is to make the airport safer and more efficient in the long term, while significantly improving its capacity and performance for the years ahead.
Major impact on air travellers
The full closure had a significant impact on European air traffic. Connections to the United Kingdom, Germany, and numerous domestic Spanish destinations were particularly affected. Airlines such as Ryanair, Iberia, Vueling, and British Airways were forced either to cancel services or divert them to other airports. The main alternative airports included A Coruña and Vigo, as well as, in some cases, Porto in Portugal, which considerably extended travel times for many passengers.
Important airport for tourism and pilgrims
Santiago de Compostela Airport is one of the most important transport hubs in northern Spain and plays a central role in regional tourism. It is especially significant as a gateway to the Camino de Santiago, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year. In addition, the airport serves as a key hub for international tourism in Galicia as well as for business travel in the region. Overall, more than three million passengers are handled here annually.
Reopened just in time for the travel season
The reopening comes just in time for the start of the summer travel season, when Northern Spain typically sees a particularly high number of visitors. Since 27 May, flight operations have fully resumed, meaning the airport can once again be used without restrictions and the regular flight schedule is back in place.
