British holidaymakers have been urged to check their travel arrangements as a major Spanish airport will close for several weeks this spring. Santiago de Compostela Airport in north-west Spain is set to shut from today, Thursday, April 23, until Wednesday, May 27 2026.

Throughout the closure, no flights will be permitted to take off or land at the airport. The suspension forms part of a €31 million upgrade programme overseen by Spanish airport operator AENA.

The scheduled works will include significant resurfacing of the airport's main runway. While the improvements are intended to boost safety and efficiency, they necessitate a complete closure lasting just over five weeks.

Thousands of UK passengers could experience disruption throughout the shutdown period. Airlines running services to the airport include Ryanair, Vueling and Iberia.

Routes typically connect the region with Spanish cities including Barcelona and Madrid, alongside destinations in the UK. Approximately 30 UK-bound flights normally arrive at Santiago de Compostela each week.

With aircraft carrying an average of 180 passengers, as many as 4,500 British holidaymakers may be impacted by the closure. Travellers are being advised to check directly with their airline for updates.

AENA has confirmed that the airport will remain closed to all air traffic between April 23 and May 27 2026. Passengers with queries about schedules, cancellations or rebooking have been instructed to contact their airline. Those still planning to visit the region during the closure are being urged to use alternative airports in the vicinity. One such option is Vigo Airport, situated approximately 61 miles south of Santiago and just over an hour's drive away.

Santiago de Compostela serves as the capital of Galicia and holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The city is renowned for its Gothic and Romanesque architecture, as well as being the ultimate destination of the celebrated Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.