✈️ Important Notice: Temporary Closure of Santiago Airport (23rd April – 27th May 2026)

👣 Many Camino pilgrims planning their journey for Spring 2026 should be aware that Santiago de Compostela Airport will be closed from 23rd April to 27th May 2026 due to essential runway renovations.

During this period, no flights will operate to or from Santiago Airport and travellers will need to consider alternative routes to begin or end their Camino journey.

Santiago Airport. Photo by Michael Sender, Wikimedia Commons

🏗️ Why the Airport is Closing

The Spanish airport authority AENA has announced major improvements to Santiago’s main runway as part of a €31 million infrastructure upgrade. These works aim to improve safety and efficiency but require a full closure of the airport for just over five weeks.

🧭 How This Affects Camino Travellers

Santiago Airport is the most popular arrival point for those walking the final 100km of the French Way Camino from Sarria to Santiago. During the closure, travellers will need to fly into an alternative airport and continue their journey by train, bus or taxi to reach Sarria.

🇮🇪 Travelling from Dublin, Ireland

During the airport closure, Aer Lingus will be offering temporary direct flights from Dublin to A Coruña Airport from 24th April to 27th May, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A Coruña Airport is approximately 1 hour 2omins drive from Sarria. For more information and to book, please check Aer Lingus directly.

🚉 Alternative Airports and Routes to Sarria

Airport How to Reach Sarria Approximate Travel Time Comments
*A Coruña (LCG) Train or bus via Lugo 2–3 hours /            1h 20m via taxi Best alternative option
Vigo (VGO) Train or bus via Ourense or Santiago 3–4 hours /            2h via taxi Good connections within Galicia. 
Madrid (MAD) Direct train from Chamartin, Madrid to Sarria (change in Ourense) 4–5 hours Useful for international flights. We recommend the 13:20 train from Madrid-Chamartin, arriving in Sarria at 17:30
Porto (OPO), Portugal Bus transfer via Ourense or Santiago 5–6 hours Scenic cross-border route
Alternative Airport Locations

 

🌐 Useful Travel Websites

Train Renfe
Bus ALSA, Monbus
Online Transport Planner Rome2Rio

📅 Planning Advice for 2026

  • Book early: Alternative airports will see increased demand during this period.

  • Check transfer options: Train and bus timetables in Galicia can vary, so plan connections in advance.

  • Allow extra travel time: Include a comfortable buffer between your flight and onward journey.

  • Consider a scenic route: Travelling from Madrid via train can be a lovely start to your Camino.

  • Stay informed: Keep an eye on airline updates as schedules for Spring 2026 may adjust closer to the date.Scenic Galician countryside along the Camino de Santiago

    French Way Camino through Galicia’s lush landscapes

🕊️ Summary

Santiago de Compostela Airport will be closed from 23 April – 27 May 2026 for runway renovation works.

During this period, all flights will be suspended. Travellers are advised to fly into nearby airports such as A Coruña, Vigo, Madrid or Porto and continue by train, bus or private transfer to Sarria.

Magic Hill will continue to monitor travel logistics closely and share any important updates to help pilgrims plan their Camino smoothly.

📧Email us at info@magichillholidays.com if you require any assistance.