Madrid Airport (MAD)

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

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the main airport serving the Spanish capital and its surrounding regions. Located just 13 km / 8 miles from Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s city center, the airport is the busiest aviation hub in Spain in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft movements. Moreover, it ranks among the top 5 airports in Europe and is consistently listed within the world’s top 20 busiest airports.

Madrid Airport is commonly referred to as Madrid–Barajas Airport, named after the Barajas district where it is located. In 2014, it was officially renamed Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in honor of Adolfo Suárez, Spain’s first democratically elected prime minister.

Today, the airport welcomes over 50 million passengers annually (17,112,246 in 2020, 50.6 million in 2022, and 66,196,984 in 2024) and serves more than 100 international airlines. Modern and technologically advanced, Madrid Airport features five terminals and four runways. It plays a crucial role in connecting Europe with Latin America.

Airport Information

Airport Name: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
IATA Code: MAD
ICAO Code: LEMD
Location: Madrid, Spain
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)

Madrid Airport History

The construction of Madrid Barajas Airport began in 1927, and it officially started operating in 1931. The first flight, operated by Aéreas Postales Españolas, connected Madrid with Barcelona. Initially, the airport handled flights mainly to Europe and Africa.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, new runways were added, and intercontinental routes to Latin America, the Philippines, and New York were introduced. Terminal 2 was built in 1954, and during the 1970s, the airport expanded further to accommodate large jets and increasing passenger traffic.

Major upgrades took place ahead of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. In the 1990s and early 2000s, additional docks, control towers, cargo terminals, and new runways were constructed. Terminal 4 and its satellite terminal (T4S) opened in 2006, significantly boosting capacity.

In 2015, the airport began handling Airbus A380 aircraft. Ongoing modernization projects aim to increase the airport’s total capacity to 80 million passengers.

Madrid Airport Layout

Madrid Airport is one of Europe’s largest airports by land area. It consists of five terminal buildings:

T1: Mainly international flights
T2: Mostly Schengen flights
T3: Primarily domestic flights
T4: Domestic and international flights
T4S: Non-Schengen flights

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are within walking distance. Terminal 4 is connected to the others by a free shuttle bus, while T4 and T4S are linked via an automated people mover (APM).

Flights to and from Madrid Airport

Madrid–Barajas Airport is Spain’s main international gateway, serving domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations. It is especially important for routes between Europe and Latin America.

MAD Airport is a hub for Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, and World2Fly, and a base for Ryanair, Wamos Air, and Iberojet.

Connecting Passengers

Transit passengers should always check both arrival and departure terminals. If both flights depart from the same terminal, passengers with boarding passes can proceed directly to their gate. Otherwise, terminal transfers and re-check-in may be required. Free inter-terminal transportation is available.

Luggage at Madrid Airport

Hold luggage: Subject to airline-specific weight limits and prohibited item lists.
Hand baggage: Strict size and liquid restrictions apply to carry-on luggage.

Required Travel Documents

Boarding pass
ID or passport
Visa (if required)
Vaccination certificates (for specific destinations)
Additional documents (e.g. for minors or travel authorizations)

Services and Amenities at MAD Airport

Baggage wrapping and storage
Pharmacies and medical services
Banks, ATMs, and currency exchange
Lounges and hotels
Wi-Fi and work areas
Lost & Found offices
Chapels and prayer rooms
Spa and wellness facilities

Family and Accessible Services

Families benefit from play areas, baby changing rooms, breastfeeding zones, strollers, and priority security lanes. Passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities are offered dedicated assistance and fully accessible facilities throughout the airport.

Pet Facilities

Madrid Airport is pet-friendly, offering designated pet relief areas in terminals T1, T2, T4, and T4S. Pets must be vaccinated, documented, and kept under control at all times.

Transport Options from Madrid Airport

Airport taxis
Private transfers
Public buses
Metro Line M8
Suburban and long-distance trains
Car rentals

Transfers Between Terminals

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are walkable. Free shuttle buses connect these terminals with T4, operating 24/7. The APM train links T4 with T4S every 5 minutes.

Parking at Madrid Airport

Madrid Airport offers over 17,000 parking spaces, including short-term, long-term, low-cost, and VIP parking options. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas are also available.

The City of Madrid

Madrid combines rich history with modern urban life. From world-class museums and historic landmarks to vibrant nightlife and Mediterranean hospitality, the Spanish capital offers an unforgettable travel experience.

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 the 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. Still, it is easy to use and is considered to provide passenger-friendly services. It is divided into 4 terminal buildings, efficiently interconnected, 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 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.