Quick Read
- The airport will remain closed until May 27, 2026, for essential runway and infrastructure upgrades.
- Passengers are advised to utilize alternative airports in A Coruña, Vigo, Porto, or Madrid for regional access.
- United Airlines is scheduled to launch the first direct transatlantic route to the airport following the reopening.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (Azat TV) – The Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) in northern Spain remains fully closed to all air traffic as part of a critical 35-day infrastructure overhaul. The facility, which serves as the primary gateway to the historic pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela, ceased all flight operations on April 23, 2026, and is not scheduled to resume services until May 27, 2026.
Navigating the SCQ Runway Renovation Impact
Spanish airport operator AENA confirmed that the total closure is required to facilitate comprehensive resurfacing of the airport’s 3,200-metre runway, alongside necessary upgrades to drainage and lighting systems. Officials noted that the scope of these engineering works could not be completed during overnight windows, necessitating the full suspension of arrivals and departures. The project represents an investment of between 26 million and 31 million euros, aimed at modernizing the site ahead of the summer travel season.
Travel Alternatives for Pilgrims and Tourists
The closure coincides with the peak of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage season, displacing tens of thousands of travelers. Airlines including British Airways, Ryanair, Vueling, and Iberia have been forced to cancel approximately 150 scheduled departures. AENA has advised passengers with existing bookings to contact their carriers immediately for rebooking options or refunds. Travelers needing to reach the region are being directed toward four primary alternative airports:
- A Coruña Airport (LCG), located 70 kilometres north, serves as the most immediate regional alternative.
- Vigo Airport (VGO), situated 90 kilometres south, offers connectivity to Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
- Porto Airport (OPO) in Portugal, while 220 kilometres away, provides the most robust international hub access for those traveling from further abroad.
- Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) remains a viable option for international travelers, supported by high-speed rail links to Santiago.
Future Connectivity and Operational Outlook
Despite current disruptions, the airport’s reopening will mark a significant milestone for regional connectivity. Following the conclusion of the works, United Airlines is slated to launch the first direct transatlantic service between Newark, New York, and Santiago de Compostela, operating three times weekly on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. While the airport upgrade is temporary, travelers are also cautioned that separate industrial actions involving ground staff at various Spanish airports may continue to cause intermittent delays across the national network.
The strategic necessity of the runway overhaul reflects a broader effort by AENA to maintain Spain’s infrastructure competitiveness, though the timing highlights the vulnerability of regional hubs that rely on singular runway assets during high-traffic tourism windows.