Once Renovated, Santiago...
Santiago de Compostela Airport closure announced. Learn what this means for Camino travelers, where to fly instead, and how to plan your trip.
waw.travelHere’s what’s happened recently with Santiago de Compostela Airport closure.
- The airport (Santiago–Rosalía de Castro, SCQ) has been shut for a multi-week runway resurfacing project. The closure began on April 23, 2026, and was planned to last until May 27, 2026, during which no air traffic was allowed. This has led to widespread flight cancellations and disruptions for travelers.[2][5][8]
- Airlines serving the route, including Ryanair, Iberia, Vueling, and British carriers, have been affected as flights to and from SCQ were suspended for the duration of the closure. Travelers were advised to contact their airlines for status updates or rebooking options.[6][2]
- Some articles note the closure is part of a broader renovation program funded by the airport operator (AENA) to upgrade runway surfaces and related infrastructure, with the shutdown applying to all operators equally.[3][2][6]
What this means for travelers now
- If you had a flight to or from SCQ between April 23 and May 27, 2026, it is likely cancelled or severely disrupted. Check with your airline immediately for rebooking options or alternative airports in Galicia or nearby regions.[5][2]
- Alternatives that travelers often consider include flying into nearby airports such as A Coruña (LCG) or Vigo (VGO) and continuing by rail or road to Santiago de Compostela, or rerouting through major Iberian hubs depending on airline capabilities and schedules.[4]
Current status and next steps
- The closure was scheduled to end around May 27, 2026, with operations expected to resume afterward, but you should verify the latest status with your airline given potential extensions or operational adjustments.[2][5]
- For Camino de Santiago pilgrims or seasonal travelers, it’s especially important to review alternative arrival points in Galicia and adjust travel plans accordingly, as substantial disruptions can ripple through several days of travel planning.[8]
Illustration: example plan if your flight was canceled
- Step 1: Contact airline for rebooking on an alternate route (e.g., through Madrid or Barcelona, or into LCG/VGO if available).
- Step 2: Consider ground transport to Santiago (train/bus) from a nearby airport with service.
- Step 3: If rebooking is not favorable, request a refund and explore other nearby departure airports and dates.
If you’d like, I can monitor for updated closure status and help map alternative routes from your location in London to Santiago de Compostela using current flight options.