Discover the rich history, world-class facilities, and comprehensive services of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain's largest and busiest international gateway.
61M+
Annual Passengers
Making it one of Europe's busiest airports
200+
Destinations
Across six continents
80+
Airlines
Operating regular services
5
Terminals
T1, T2, T3, T4, and T4S
Spain's Premier International Gateway
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (IATA: MAD, ICAO: LEMD) stands as the main international airport serving Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain. Strategically located just 12 kilometers northeast of Madrid's historic city center, it has evolved into Spain's largest and busiest airport, serving as one of the most important aviation hubs connecting Europe with the Americas, Africa, and beyond.
Named in 2014 after Adolfo Suárez, Spain's first democratically elected Prime Minister who guided the nation's transition to democracy, the airport serves as the primary hub for Iberia, Spain's flag carrier airline, and is a major hub for Air Europa. With direct connections to over 200 destinations worldwide spanning six continents, Madrid-Barajas plays a crucial role in connecting Spain to major cities across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The airport's strategic position makes it an ideal gateway between Europe and Latin America, with Iberia operating one of the most comprehensive networks to Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. This unique positioning has established Madrid-Barajas as the leading airport for connections between Europe and South America.
Award-Winning Architecture
The airport's Terminal 4 complex represents a masterpiece of modern architecture. Designed by the renowned architects Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers (who also designed the Centre Pompidou in Paris and Lloyd's building in London), T4 features a distinctive undulating bamboo-clad roof supported by rainbow-colored pillars that create a stunning visual spectacle.
The innovative design floods the interior with natural light through skylights positioned along the wave-like roof structure. Each section of the terminal is color-coded with different hues of yellow, orange, and red on the support columns, helping passengers navigate the vast 760,000 square meter space intuitively.
This architectural achievement earned the 2007 Stirling Prize, Britain's most prestigious architecture award, recognizing T4 as the best new building in Europe. The terminal has since become an icon of Spanish architecture and a destination in itself for architecture enthusiasts.
Terminal Overview
Terminals T1, T2 & T3
The original terminal complex serving domestic flights and Schengen destinations
Connected via walkwaysMetro station nearbyShort-haul operations
From its humble beginnings in 1931 with grass runways to becoming one of Europe's busiest airports, Madrid-Barajas has witnessed and shaped Spanish aviation history for over nine decades.
1931
Airport inaugurated as Madrid-Barajas with grass runways and a small terminal building
First commercial flight operations began
1944
First international passenger services began to connect Spain with the world
Post-war expansion of routes
1954
Major runway expansion to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic
Introduction of jet services
1970
Terminal T1 opened for international flights, modernizing passenger experience
Capacity increased to 6 million passengers
1991
Terminal T2 inaugurated, expanding domestic and European operations
Part of infrastructure improvements for 1992 events
1998
Ambitious expansion plan approved, including new T4 complex
€6.2 billion investment announced
2006
New Terminal T4 and T4S inaugurated, designed by Richard Rogers and Antonio Lamela
Capacity increased to 70 million passengers
2007
T4 wins Stirling Prize for best new building in Europe
Recognition for innovative architecture
2014
Renamed to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas in honor of Spain's first democratic Prime Minister
Symbol of Spain's democratic transition
2019
Record year with over 61.7 million passengers, solidifying position as European hub
6th busiest airport in Europe
2023
Full recovery from pandemic with strong traffic growth
Return to pre-pandemic levels
2024
Served over 61 million passengers, ranking among Europe's busiest airports
Continued expansion of routes
Awards & Recognition
2007
Stirling Prize
RIBA
For T4 architectural excellence
2008
Best Airport
ACI Europe
Over 25 million passengers category
2019
Best Airport in Southern Europe
Skytrax
World Airport Awards
2023
4-Star Airport Rating
Skytrax
For overall quality
World-Class Services & Facilities
Madrid-Barajas Airport offers comprehensive services designed to make your journey comfortable and convenient, whether you're traveling for business or leisure.
Public Transportation
Metro Line 8, Cercanías trains, and Airport Express bus connect the airport to central Madrid
Parking & Car Rental
Over 20,000 parking spaces and all major car rental companies available
Shopping
Duty-free stores, luxury boutiques, and Spanish souvenirs across all terminals
Dining
From traditional Spanish cuisine to international restaurants and quick-service options
Connectivity
Free unlimited WiFi throughout all terminals and charging stations
Accessibility
Full assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair services, and accessible facilities
Strategic Location
Madrid-Barajas Airport enjoys an excellent strategic location just 12 kilometers from Madrid's city center. The airport is exceptionally well-connected via multiple transportation options:
Metro Line 8: Direct service to Nuevos Ministerios in 15 minutes, connecting to the city center and major train stations
Cercanías Train (Line C1): Connects T4 to Chamartín and Atocha stations
Airport Express Bus: 24-hour service between the airport and Atocha station via Cibeles
Taxi: Fixed rate of €33 to anywhere within Madrid's central zone (M-30)
The airport's address is Avenida de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain. For general inquiries, you can call AENA at +34 91 321 1000.
Looking to the Future
Madrid-Barajas continues to evolve with ongoing improvements to passenger experience, sustainability initiatives, and capacity enhancements. AENA, the airport operator, has outlined plans for further modernization including enhanced digital services, improved accessibility, and environmental sustainability measures aimed at reducing the airport's carbon footprint.
As Spain's gateway to the world and a crucial link between Europe and the Americas, Madrid-Barajas Airport remains committed to providing world-class service while preserving its rich heritage and architectural distinction.