Madrid Airport (MAD)

Madrid Barajas Airport: a Spanish Airport on the World’s Top 20

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the airport serving the Spanish capital, as well as its nearby regions. Located only 13km from Puerta del Sol, Madrid city center, Madrid Airport is listed as the first aviation hub in Spain concerning passenger traffic and commercial movements. Moreover, the airport figures among the top 5 European airports, along with being one of the top 20 busiest airports globally.

Madrid Airport is usually referred to as Madrid–Barajas Airport. Barajas is actually the name of one of the districts where the airport is located. However, in 2014, the official name of the airport was changed to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The airport’s renaming was decided as a tribute to Adolfo Suárez, the first democratically elected Spanish prime minister.

Nowadays, the airport welcomes more than 17 million travelers annually (17.112.246 passengers in 2019) and serves more than 100 international airlines. Modern and kitted with leading-edge technology, Madrid Airport has 5 terminals and 4 runways. Overall, it handles flights from and to all over the world and plays a crucial part in the connection between Europe and Latin America.

FAQs

What is the biggest airport in Spain?

MAD Airport is the busiest hub in Spain, followed by El Prat Barcelona Airport. In fact, it figures at the first position among Spanish airports, concerning both passenger traffic and cargo services.

Are there 2 airports in Madrid?

The main airport in Madrid is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. In fact, it is the only airport serving the area while being the busiest Spanish airport and one of the most important airports globally.

When was Madrid Airport built?

Suárez International Airport dates back to 1931. However, despite its official opening on 22 April of this year, its commercial use didn’t begin until 1933.

How far is Madrid from airport?

Madrid Airport is located within a 13-km distance from Madrid downtown. The airport is connected to the city via taxis and private transfers, or by public transportation means (metro, bus, and train).

How many terminals does Madrid Airport have?

Madrid Airport has 4 terminals, T1, T2, T3, and T4. The T4 building is divided into two sections, the T4, and the T4S, with the T4S being the satellite terminal of MAD Airport.

Which terminal is international in Madrid?

The Madrid airport T4 is the terminal handling international flights from and to the Spanish capital’s airport. The T4 section hosts flights from the Schengen zone, whereas flights concerning non-Schengen destinations arrive and depart from the satellite terminal T4S.

Is Madrid Airport easy to navigate?

Madrid Airport may be a large and busy airport. Sill, it is easy to use and is considered to provide passenger-friendly services. It is divided into 4 terminal buildings efficiently inter-connected and offers cutting-edge technology amenities.

How early should I get to Madrid Airport?

Flying from Madrid Airport, you should be at the airport 2-3 hours before your departure scheduled time. MAD Airport is a busy aviation hub. Therefore you should have enough time for the check-in, passport control, etc. procedures.

What are the transportation options from MAD Airport?

Transferring from Madrid Airport to city or elsewhere should be proven an easy task. Apart from the comfy airport taxis, the luxurious private airport transfers, and the handy airport car rentals, Madrid Barajas Airport is also connected to the city of Madrid via public transportation. Thus, buses, subways, and trains are at your disposal as soon as you land at MAD Airport.