No flights to Santiago de Compostela Airport — prepare for an “extra journey”
Attention travelers, pilgrims, and anyone planning to walk the Camino de Santiago: this is not a joke, and it could seriously affect your trip.
Santiago de Compostela Airport will be completely closed for over a month in 2026. That means zero flights — no arrivals, no departures, nothing.
If you were planning to fly directly into Santiago, you'll need a backup plan… and maybe a bit more patience.
🚫 The full closure: key dates you need to know
Airport operator Aena has confirmed that the closure is due to major runway renovation works. The goal is to improve safety and modernize the infrastructure.
📅 Closure dates:
👉 April 23 to May 26, 2026
👉 Total: 35 days without flights
During this time:
- ❌ No plans will land
- ❌ No plans will take off
- ❌ No connections available
👉 In short: the airport will be completely shut down.
This will impact thousands of travelers searching for cheap flights to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago travel packages, and Spain travel deals.
✈️ What happens to your flight?
If you already booked a flight to Santiago during these dates, expect:
- cancellations
- reroutes
- schedule changes
Airlines will provide alternatives, but your journey will likely take longer than expected.
Search terms like how to get to Santiago de Compostela, alternative airports Spain, and travel to Camino de Santiago will become essential for planning.
🚌 Plan B: how to reach Santiago in 2026
Here's where your pilgrimage might start earlier than planned.
Instead of landing in Santiago, you'll need to use nearby airports and continue by road or train.
Main alternatives:
👉 Vigo Airport
👉 A Coruña Airport
From there:
- bus 🚌
- train 🚆
- car rental 🚗
⏱️ Extra travel time: 1 to 2 hours
International option:
👉 Porto Airport
Many international pilgrims may end up flying into Porto. This could be a great excuse to start the Portuguese Camino… or a logistical headache if you just wanted to reach Santiago quickly.
The “miracle” of flights that don't fly
This situation has already sparked reactions among travelers.
Some see it as a problem.
Others… as part of the Camino experience.
Because the Camino de Santiago has always been about:
👉 adapting
👉 facing the unexpected
👉 embracing the journey
Still, nobody expected to start their pilgrimage from another airport 😅
💡 Smart tips to avoid travel chaos
If you're planning a trip during these dates:
✔ Check your flight status in advance
✔ Consider booking directly to Vigo or A Coruña
✔ Plan your transfer to Santiago early
✔ Avoid last-minute decisions
Being prepared can save you time, stress, and money.
💰 Opportunity for smart travelers
What looks like a problem can also be an opportunity.
During this period, travelers will search for:
- cheap flights to Galicia
- hotels in Vigo and A Coruña
- alternative Camino routes
If you plan wisely, you might even find better deals and less crowded routes.
🚀 Conclusion: the Camino starts before you land
The closure of Santiago Airport in 2026 will affect thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
But like everything on the Camino, it's also a chance to adapt and experience something different.
Because in the end…
👉 the Camino doesn't start in Santiago
👉 it starts the moment your journey changes
