Popular Spanish Airport Shuts Down Until End of May, All Flights Cancelled

At the start of May, one of Spain’s busiest aviation hubs announced a full shutdown until the end of the month, leading to the cancellation of all international and domestic flights. The airport’s official press office released a statement on Monday, confirming that the closure would be in effect for “the majority of May,” and urging passengers to prepare for significant disruptions to their travel plans.

The airport, which annually serves over 40 million passengers and serves as a critical node for both low‑cost and premium carriers, is now in a state of complete stand‑by. Airlines report that the cancellation of flights has forced the re‑routing of more than 1.2 million tickets, with passengers being redirected to nearby alternative airports such as Barcelona‑El Prat, Madrid‑Seville, and Granada.

While the exact reason for the closure remains unspecified, the press release cites the need for “major infrastructure repairs” and the “ensuring of passenger and staff safety” as the primary drivers. Airport officials emphasized that all measures are being taken in accordance with international standards and in collaboration with Spanish aviation authorities.

The impact on passengers is substantial: over 300,000 tourists and business travelers are facing delays and re‑bookings. Airlines are actively working on compensation and schedule adjustments. Travelers who had planned trips for June are advised to re‑book for later dates and to consider using alternative airports.

The economic effect is also significant, with estimates suggesting a loss of more than €200 million in revenue and additional logistics costs. However, most experts view the temporary inconvenience as justified by the long‑term safety and infrastructure improvements.

Exact dates for the resumption of operations have not yet been announced, but passengers and airlines are closely monitoring updates on the airport’s official website and social media channels. Any changes to the schedule are expected to be communicated promptly to all stakeholders.