Hola Madrid!

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, officially known as Madrid International Airport, is one of Spain's most significant and busiest airports. The airport is located just 12 kilometers away from Madrid city center. This airport acts as a primary gateway to Europe and many other places! With innovative technologies and organized amenities, the airport deals with 60 million passengers annually! The airport is famous for its architectural finishing and has won the award for Terminal 4. This terminal offers many activities and amenities, including hopping, dining, and relaxation areas. Madrid Airport acts as a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights. Madrid Airport is the perfect starting point for your journey, enhanced by Spanish hospitality. Let's explore what Madrid Airport has kept for us!

History of Madrid-Barajas Airport

Madrid International Airport, also known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, was opened in 1931. Initially, the airport served as a small airfield, but gradually, it became one of the largest and busiest airports in Spain. Through the decades, the airport developed and expanded significantly by adding high-tech amenities and facilities to accommodate passenger traffic, and thus, it evolved into a major global aviation hub.

Airport Size and Usage

Madrid Airport covers over 3,050 hectares and includes four main terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4. Terminal 4 is divided into T4 and T4S (Satellite). The airport can handle 61 million passengers per year. Over the past decade, the airport has undergone several innovations and later became the most popular and busiest airport in Spain. The airport's busiest months are July to September, coinciding with the peak tourist season in Spain.

Arrival at the Airport

1. Terminals:

Terminal 1 mostly handles the international flights outside the Schengen area. Schengen areas are served by the Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is used for domestic flights and lastly, terminal 4 is divided into T4 and T4S. This is the largest terminal and handles both international and domestic flights and serves as a hub for Iberia and Oneworld partners. Always check your flight details to know which terminal you are heading to!

2. Immigration and Customs:

After knowing the Terminal follow the signs toward the immigration control. If you are a non-European passenger, you'll need a pass through the border control where the passport will be subjected to a checking. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents needed for immigration including the boarding pass and visa. After the immigration process, you can head to the baggage claim. If you have anything to declare, use the red channel and if you don't have anything to declare, just head to the green channel in the customs.

3. Ground Transportation

Madrid-Barajas Airport provides a wide range of transportation options available for travelers. For Metro, Line 8 connects the Madrid airport with the city’s metro network by providing easy access to central madrid. If you are looking for a train, the Cercanías line connects T4 with the main stations such as Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha, and Príncipe Pío. For the bus services, you can opt for Exprés Aeropuerto and it will connect the airport with different parts of Madrid. Taxis are available at the stand outside the terminal. Beware of the taxi scams and go for official taxis. If you want to explore all by yourself you can find the car rentals at both terminals offering a wide range of vehicles.

Departure from the Airport

1. Checking In:

We would suggest you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flights and 3 hours before an international flight. You can spot the check-in desks for most of the airlines which are located in the main departure hall of the terminal. Also, you can make use of the self-service kiosks or online check-in facilities to save your precious time. Use the designated bag drop counters to drop your luggage after your check-in procedures.

2. Security Screening:

After your check-in procedures, proceed to the security screening area. Get ready to unpack your bags if laptops, liquids, and metal items are there in your carry bags. Make sure that your liquids are in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed in a clear plastic container.

3. Duty-Free Shopping and Dining

After your check-in procedures, you can find a huge array of duty-free shopping and dining options! Try the authentic Spanish delicacies from La Bellota. For a quick coffee and sandwich head to Rodilla and the fast food freaks McDonald’s is there. If you are looking for cosmetics and spirits go to Aldeasa Duty-Free. World Duty-Free is the best in perfumes, cosmetics, and luxury fashion items. Check Massimo Dutti for some stylish Spanish fashion picks. Visit Adolfo Domínguez for some handpicked clothing and accessories. For the technophiles, Tech&Fly offers the latest gadgets and accessories. Purchase souvenirs from Relay as a memoir from your Madrid trip. The shop offers a great selection of books and gift items.

4. Lounges:

If comfort and relaxation are your call, Madrid Airport offers some excellent lounges! For comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and other amenities head to Sala VIP Puerta del Sol (T4). If you are an Iberia or Oneworld passenger, Iberia VIP Lounge Velázquez (T4S) is exclusively available for you providing top-notch services. Located in Terminal 1, Sala VIP Cibeles (T1) is the best if you are looking for a comfortable space to relax before your flight.

5. Boarding:

Always keep an eye on the flight information displayed on the screens and listen to the announcements to ensure that you arrive at your gate at the correct time. Also, make sure that you carry your boarding pass and identifications ready on time.

Flight Carriers Operating at Madrid-Barajas Airport

Madrid is a hub for several international and domestic airlines. For low-cost airlines, EasyJet is available in many European cities. You can find British Airways from Madrid to connect UK and other places. If Germany is your destination, Lufthansa is operating there. For soaring to Paris or other global destinations, Air France is there.KLM is there for a link to Amsterdam and lastly, Iberia serving various Spanish Destinations. Qatar Airways is there to connect Madrid with Doha and other places. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines provide direct flights to the United States.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Make use of the free Wi-Fi available at the airport and stay connected with your loved ones. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely used at the airport. Madrid Airport is giving comprehensive assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. If you are looking for currency exchange, ATMs and Currency Exchange offices are available in the Terminal.

Your Gateway to Madrid and Beyond

Madrid airport is all about innovations seamlessly blending with modern amenities with efficient operations. No matter you are arriving or departing, the airport's connectivity, and services make your way smooth and clear! Madrid Airport is your gateway to worldwide destinations. Happy Madrid Days!

FAQs

Q: What is the 3-letter airport code for Madrid?

A: Madrid International Airport is known through the 3-letter code ‘MAD’.

Q: What is the main airport in Madrid called?

A: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is one of the main and largest airports in Spain.

Q: What is the closest city airport to Madrid?

A: The closest airport to Madrid city is Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport which is only 12.4 kilometers away from the city.

Q: What amenities are available at Madrid International Airport?

A: Madrid International Airport has a huge array of amenities provided for travellers including free Wi-Fi, lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, ATMs, and currency exchange services.

Book Now