Airport Guide

History of Madrid Barajas International Airport

Work began on the Spanish capital's first airport in 1928. However, given that the country sat out both world wars, for years it lagged behind its European counterparts. However, by 1955 it was serving 500,000 passengers a year and this quickly multiplied as the Franco dictatorship relaxed its rules and opened the country up to the emerging package holiday trade. Once the tourists started arriving, Barajas never looked back and, with the opening of the Terminal 4 in 2006, it is now comfortably within the top ten global airports.

Travelling from Madrid Barajas International Airport

Fortunately for travellers either looking to make the most of their time in Madrid or hurrying for their plane, Barajas is served by Line 8 of the city's Metro system. This means it is not only quick but also incredibly cheap to travel into the heart of the capital, with tickets allowing for travel across all zones. What's more, depending on the airline, it is often possible to check in for a flight at the Nuevas Ministerios station in the heart of the city, thereby cutting back on wasted time.

The Metro connects to a number of mainline train stations, including Atocha, from where it is possible to travel all across the Iberian peninsular, with the new high-speed link between Madrid and Barcelona having only recently been opened.

It is also possible to drive to the airport, the terminal being accessed from the R-2, M-22 and A-2 roads, while taxis are available, though considerably more expensive than the public transport alternatives.

Airlines Flying from Madrid Barajas International Airport

As with most capital city airports, the national carrier dominates at Barajas. Some 60 per cent of all flights leaving or arriving on a daily basis are operated by Iberia, both across Spain, as well as Europe and beyond.

Spain's airline operates regular services to London, Paris, the United States, Asia and the Middle East, complemented by services to New York and Miami and Boston offered by Delta Airlines and US Airways.

Significantly, as well as being the gateway to Spain and Portugal for millions of Brits and Germans each year, Barajas is also the gateway to Europe for Latin Americans. As such, dozens of flights depart every day for the continent, including services by Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Comet - which serves Cuba, Peru and Chile - and Venezuela's Santa Barbara Airlines.

For many people looking to head across from Europe to Latin America, it can make sense therefore, to take a cheap flight to Madrid before taking advantage of the more competitive long-haul market operating out of the city.