Major Spanish airport closing for 34 days - over 5,000 Brits face travel chaos

No take-offs or landings will take place while the airport is closed (Image: Getty)

A Spanish airport is closing for a month from next week, with all scheduled flights cancelled, a move that could impact thousands of British tourists. Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, the second-busiest airport in northern Spain, will be closed from April 23 to May 27 for multi-million-pound maintenance work.

During this five-week period, no flights will take off or land at the airport, affecting spring Camino de Santiago pilgrims. As the biggest and busiest airport in Galicia, its closure will affect travellers from across the world, with Brits in particular set to be severely impacted. Typically, each week, there are 30 flights a week to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport from the UK.

No takeoffs or landings will take place from April 23 to May 27 (Image: Getty)

Major airlines, including Ryanair, Iberia, British Airways and Vueling, all fly from the UK to this international airport, previously known as Lavacolla Airport. Usually, these flights accommodate 180 passengers, meaning 5,400 Brits could be affected by the cancellations.

Spanish airport operator Aena says the airport "will be closed from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway resurfacing works".

A spokesperson added: "During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.

"If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline."

Ryanair, Iberia, British Airways and Vueling all fly from the UK to this international airport (Image: Getty)

April and May are popular months for travellers to undertake the Camino de Santiago in Galicia, meaning the airport closure will significantly affect those taking part. This ancient network of pilgrimage routes converges at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the remains of St. James are buried.

For those still wishing to visit this stunning part of Spain, they should consider flying to A Coruña Airport, about 40 miles away, with the drive typically taking under an hour. At around 55 miles away, Vigo Airport is another alternative.

Major airport hubs such as Porto and Madrid are also possibilities. London Stansted, London Heathrow and London Gatwick are the three busiest international routes from the airport.

Barcelona is its busiest domestic route with 461,800 passengers travelling last year.