Tourism Takes Off in Spain as Airports See Impressive Growth in Passenger Numbers

Published on December 9, 2025

Aena, the Spanish airport operator, announced a significant milestone in October 2025, with airports across Spain handling nearly 29.5 million passengers, a 4.4% increase compared to October 2024. The overall number of passengers using Spanish airports between January and October reached 276.6 million, marking a 3.9% year-on-year growth, while the total number of operations increased by 4.4%, with 2.3 million flights recorded. This steady rise in passenger traffic reflects the strong and continuing recovery of Spain’s tourism sector, with airports becoming key gateways for international and domestic travel.

The performance of Spain’s airports continues to exceed expectations, showcasing the country’s growing popularity as a travel destination. The increases in passenger traffic are particularly notable at major international hubs like Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat, which have seen substantial growth, as well as other regional airports such as Palma de Mallorca and Malaga–Costa del Sol. With the country attracting millions of tourists each year, Spain’s aviation industry is solidifying its role in connecting global travelers to popular tourist destinations across the nation.

Top Performing Airports in Spain

Among Spain’s busiest airports, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport led the way with over six million passengers in October, representing a 6.3% year-on-year growth. Madrid’s airport has remained the country’s busiest hub, catering to both international and domestic flights and serving as a primary gateway for tourists heading to Spain’s capital city and other popular destinations.

Following closely is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, which welcomed 5.24 million passengers in October, a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year. As one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations, Barcelona continues to attract travelers seeking its unique cultural heritage, architecture, and Mediterranean beaches. The rise in traffic at Barcelona’s airport underscores its pivotal role in Spain’s tourism sector.

Palma de Mallorca also remains a key airport for tourists traveling to the Balearic Islands, with 3.5 million passengers recorded in October. Although this represents a modest 0.3% increase from the previous year, the airport’s performance continues to reflect its vital role in Spain’s tourism industry, particularly for those visiting Mallorca for its scenic landscapes, beaches, and rich history.

Regional Growth Across Spanish Airports

Other airports in Spain have shown significant growth in passenger numbers. Malaga–Costa del Sol Airport recorded 2.57 million passengers in October, a notable increase of 6.1% compared to October 2024. The airport is a major entry point for tourists visiting the Costa del Sol, a region known for its sunny climate, beaches, and popular tourist destinations like Marbella and Nerja.

Similarly, Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport reached 1.9 million passengers, marking a 5.9% rise from the previous year. Alicante is a gateway for tourists heading to the Costa Blanca, a coastal region known for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and vibrant nightlife. This growth in passenger traffic is indicative of the ongoing appeal of the Mediterranean coast as a top travel destination in Spain.

Noteworthy performances were also recorded in the Canary Islands, with Gran Canaria Airport welcoming 1.32 million passengers, a 1.8% increase, and Tenerife South Airport handling 1.16 million passengers, reflecting a 1% growth. Both islands remain major draws for tourists seeking sun, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. The Valencia Airport also performed well, with a standout 8.1% increase in passenger traffic, totaling 1.09 million passengers in October.

Boosting Spain’s Tourism and Economy

The increase in airport traffic across Spain signals a robust recovery in tourism, which plays a key role in the country’s economy. Spain has long been one of the world’s top tourist destinations, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, world-class art and architecture, and diverse landscapes. With popular destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and the Balearic and Canary Islands, the country continues to attract millions of visitors annually, both from within Europe and globally.

Airports are a vital part of this tourism infrastructure, facilitating the arrival and departure of international and domestic tourists. As airports handle growing numbers of passengers, they contribute to the local and national economy by supporting jobs in aviation, hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. Additionally, the increased number of operations and flights further encourages tourism to less-visited regions of Spain, spreading the economic benefits of tourism across the country.

The rising passenger numbers also reflect the ongoing improvements in Spain’s tourism offerings, from enhanced air connections to the country’s well-preserved cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and rich gastronomic traditions. With more tourists visiting each year, Spain’s tourism sector continues to thrive, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Europe’s most popular and accessible travel destinations.

Looking Forward: Continued Growth for Spain’s Airports

As Spain’s airports continue to experience growth in passenger traffic, the country’s tourism sector is set to benefit from even greater connectivity and increased international interest. The recovery of global tourism post-pandemic, combined with improved accessibility and air services, is expected to fuel further growth in airport operations and passenger numbers in the coming years.

Increased capacity, along with seasonal campaigns and promotions, will help to support Spain’s status as a year-round tourism hub. The expansion of air services and the continued modernization of Spain’s airports will likely pave the way for even higher passenger numbers, supporting not just tourism but broader economic growth across the regions.

Conclusion: Spain’s Airports Play a Vital Role in Tourism’s Growth

The record-breaking number of passengers passing through Spain’s airports highlights the country’s thriving tourism sector. With major airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, and beyond showing impressive growth, Spain continues to solidify its status as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The growth of passenger traffic reflects the increasing demand for both leisure and business travel, ensuring that Spanish airports will remain at the heart of the country’s tourism economy.