If you travel to Santiago de Compostela Airport, prepare for the “Extra Way”
Attention pilgrims, travelers and lovers of the Camino de Santiago: this is not a joke, nor a guide exaggeration... it is a reality that can completely change your trip.
The Santiago de Compostela Airport (Lavacolla) will be totally closed for more than a month in 2026. Yes, you read that right: not a single flight.
If you were planning your trip to Galicia, this detail can turn your experience into an adventure… or into total chaos if you are not prepared.
🚫 The big closing: key dates you should know
Aena has confirmed the closure due to important works on the runway, a profound renovation that seeks to improve the safety and quality of landings.
📅 Closing dates:
👉 From April 23 to May 26, 2026
👉 Total: 35 days without flights
During this period:
- ❌ There will be no arrivals
- ❌ There will be no departures
- ❌ There will be no connections
👉 In short: the airport will be completely paralyzed.
This directly affects thousands of travelers, tourists and pilgrims who every year look for cheap flights to Santiago de Compostela, last minute reservations or travel packages to the Camino de Santiago.
✈️ What happens with your flight to Santiago?
If you have a flight scheduled on those dates, chances are that:
- be diverted
- canceled
- or modified automatically
Airlines are already preparing alternatives, but this implies important changes in your travel planning.
Keywords like travel to Santiago de Compostela, alternative airports Galicia, transport in Galicia o how to get to the Camino de Santiago They will be essential in the coming months.
🚌 Plan B: how to get to Santiago in 2026
This is where the true “pilgrim mode” begins.
If you cannot land in Santiago, you will have to do so at other nearby airports and continue by road.
Main options:
👉 Vigo Airport
👉 A Coruña Airport
From there:
- bus 🚌
- train 🚆
- car 🚗
⏱️ Extra time: between 1 and 2 hours
International option:
👉 Porto Airport
Many international pilgrims will end up here, which can be an opportunity to start the Portuguese Way… or a bit of a hassle if you were just going to get your Compostela.
😅 The “miracle” of planes that don't fly
The situation has generated all kinds of reactions among travelers.
Some see it as a problem.
Others… as part of the Camino.
Because in the end, the Camino de Santiago has always been that:
👉 adaptation
👉 unforeseen
👉 adventure
But of course, no one expected to start the Camino... from another airport 😅
💡 Key tips to avoid being left stranded
If you are planning to travel on those dates:
✔ Check your flight in advance
✔ Consider booking in Vigo or A Coruña directly
✔ Plan extra transportation
✔ Avoid improvising at the last minute
This can make the difference between a smooth trip… or a real odyssey.
💰 Opportunity for smart travelers
Although it may seem like a problem, it can also be an opportunity.
Many travelers will look for:
- cheap flights Galicia
- hotels in Vigo or A Coruña
- alternative routes Camino de Santiago
If you know how to adapt, you can even save money or discover new, less crowded routes.
🚀 Conclusion: the Camino begins before landing
The closure of Santiago airport in 2026 is important news that will affect thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
But like everything on the Camino, it is also an opportunity to experience something different.
Because in the end...
👉 the true Camino does not begin in Santiago
👉 starts the moment you decide to adapt
