Airport in holiday hotspot to close for a month, affecting 265,000 passengers

It's the second busiest airport in Northern Spain

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, the main airport serving Galicia, is the second busiest airport in northern Spain, handling around 3.2 million passengers each year. It currently operates several routes used by Irish travellers connecting via UK and European hubs, particularly during peak holiday season.

The airport, located in Galicia on Spain’s north-west Atlantic coast, will close from April 23 to May 27.

“During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place,” it stated on its official website.

Several major airlines including Vueling, Ryanair, Iberia and British Airways operate flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, many of which are used by Irish passengers travelling indirectly via London, Manchester and other UK airports.

The disruption is expected to affect British and Irish holidaymakers heading to the region, with knock-on cancellations and schedule changes likely during the closure period.

Galicia, sometimes referred to as the “Cornwall of Spain” due to its rugged coastline, green landscapes and milder climate compared to southern Spain, has grown in popularity in recent years with Irish visitors seeking quieter alternatives to traditional Spanish resorts.

Travel estimates suggest thousands of passengers could be affected across the UK and Ireland combined, depending on connecting routes and airline schedules.

Customers concerned about flight changes or rebooking are being advised to contact their airline directly.

Alternative airports for travellers

Despite the closure, there are alternative airports serving the region that may be used by Irish holidaymakers.

A Coruña Airport (LCG), around 50 minutes from Santiago, offers limited international connections and is sometimes used as an alternative gateway to Galicia.

Further south, Vigo Airport is another option, with onward road travel into the region.