Madrid-Barajas Airport, officially known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Spain. It serves as the main transport hub for the Spanish capital Madrid and is known for its four passenger terminals and two parallel runways.
Here are all departures from Madrid-Barajas Airport for today and tomorrow:
Here you can find all arrivals at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).
Quick overview Madrid-Barajas
Madrid-Barajas Airport, officially named Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Spain and serves as a central hub for the capital city of Madrid as well as for the whole of Spain. Here is some detailed information about this important airport:
- Location and accessibility: the airport is located approximately 12 kilometres north-east of Madrid city centre. It is well connected to the public transport system, including the Madrid Metro (line 8), buses and taxis. It also offers connections to the Spanish high-speed train network (AVE).
- History: Opened in 1928, Madrid-Barajas Airport has a rich history and has constantly expanded and modernised over the years to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
- Terminals: The airport has four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and a satellite terminal (T4S). T4, opened in 2006, is particularly known for its modern architecture and serves as the main base for the Spanish airline Iberia.
- Airlines and destinations: Madrid-Barajas is an important hub for international and domestic flights. In addition to Iberia, numerous international airlines use the airport as a hub for flights to Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
- Passenger volume: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Madrid-Barajas was one of the busiest airports in Europe with an annual passenger volume of over 60 million.
- Services and facilities: The airport offers a variety of services, including numerous shops, restaurants, VIP lounges, meeting rooms, a business centre and a chapel. There are also facilities for luggage storage, car hire and currency exchange.
- Security and technology: Madrid-Barajas is equipped with modern security systems, including advanced baggage control systems and biometric passport control. The airport places great emphasis on security and efficiency in its operations.
- Environmental awareness: In its sustainability efforts, the airport has introduced measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including energy efficiency programmes and the promotion of environmentally friendly means of transport.
- Future developments: Further expansion and modernisation projects areplanned to meet future requirements.These are intended to increase capacity, improve efficiency and further enhance passenger comfort.
Overall, Madrid-Barajas Airport is a highly modern, efficient and important transport hub in Europe that plays a key role in global air traffic and the Spanish transport network. It reflects the dynamism and cultural importance of Madrid and offers travellers a wide range of services and amenities.
What are the must-see sights before flying to Madrid
If you are in Madrid and want to visit some sights before your departure from Madrid-Barajas Airport, there are a number of places you should not miss. Madrid offers a rich mix of historic architecture, art, vibrant culture and culinary experiences. Here are some of the most important sights:
- The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real): As the official residence of the Spanish royal family, this magnificent palace is a must-see for lovers of history and architecture. Although the king does not live there, it is used for state ceremonies.
- Plaza Mayor: This historic square in the heart of Madrid is known for its picturesque architecture and lively atmosphere. It is surrounded by cafés and restaurants, ideal for taking a break and watching the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The Prado Museum: One of the most famous art museums in the world, the Prado houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya and other masters.
- The Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro): A green oasis in the city centre, ideal for a stroll, a boat trip on the small lake or simply relaxing.
- Gran Vía: This lively shopping street is known for its striking architecture, shops, restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
- The Reina Sofía Museum: Another important art museum, best known for its collection of contemporary art, including Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica”.
- Puerta del Sol: Another central and lively square in Madrid, known as kilometre zero, from which all distances in Spain are measured.
- La Latina neighbourhood: Known for its tapas bars and lively nightlife, this neighbourhood is ideal for enjoying the local cuisine.
- The Templo de Debod: An ancient Egyptian temple that has been reconstructed in Madrid and offers a unique insight into the history of Egypt.
- The Mercado de San Miguel: A historic market that has been converted into a gourmet market where you can sample a variety of Spanish delicacies.
If you are short on time, I recommend focussing on one or two places that interest you the most. Madrid has a lot to offer and even a short visit can be very rewarding.