Santiago Airport reopens after month-long closure

After a month of cancelled flights and traveller headaches, the Santiago de Compostela Airport, located in northern Spain, has finally reopened. The airport had closed on April 23 due to urgently-needed runway resurfacing works, and was closed to all traffic, takeoffs, and landings, according to Spanish airport operator Aena. 

A popular hotspot for Britons, finally reopened after a month

The airport, also known as the Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, is especially significant for some of Spain’s most enamoured holidaymakers: Britons. It serves as a key gateway to the city of Santiago de Compostela, in the country’s autonomous community of Galicia. Through Ryanair, Vueling, Aer Lingus, KLM, British Airways, and Iberia, visitors from the UK have a direct flight to the popular area. However, due to the announcement of the airport’s closure, the flights during this month (numbering 30 per week from London Stansted, London Gatwick and London Heathrow) were cancelled.

Millions of euros invested into the maintenance of the airport

The project is reported to have cost €28 million and replaced 3.2 kilometres of the surface of the runway. The works also included the replacement of the LED lighting, and the installation of extra storm-water channels to prevent flooding in the wintertime. According to Aena, at least 15 years of life have been added to the runways following the maintenance works.

How will travellers be affected?

Though the Santiago de Compostela Airport has reopened and is operational from May 27 onward, it is notable that there are still maintenance works being carried out in other parts of the airport.

Travellers should note that during the first week of the airport becoming operational again and while airlines are retaking their regualar schedules, delays may be more common.

Britons were not the only travellers affected by the 34-day closure of the airport; the Santiago de Compostela Airport serves 23 destinations by 9 different airlines, and sees around 3.6 million people pass through annually.

Travellers flying with Ryanair: Fewer flights operational than before

One of the major airlines with a presence in the airport, Ryanair, closed its base in Santiago de Compostela, meaning it is now operating with fewer flights to the destination than before. This move was part of a decision to cut 1.2 million seats across Spain, due to increasing airport fees. Other affected destinations included Jerez, Vigo and Valladolid.