Top 5 fun facts about Spain's busiest airport

By TravelWiseOct 4, 2023 19:23 PMNews
Share:
Top 5 fun facts about Spain's busiest airport
MAD is the second largest airport in Europe. Source: Wikipedia

Spain's Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the second largest airport in Europe. It started its operations back in 1933, offering flights between Madrid and Barcelona.

In its almost 90 years of operation, the airport has had many interesting stories to tell. Here are 5 of the funniest facts about MAD.

1. The airport is named after Spanish politician Adolfo Suarez

At the age of 43, Suarez was the youngest Prime Minister in Spanish history and soon took on the task of moving Spain towards democracy. Not only did he help write a new constitution, but he was also credited with creating autonomous communities. Suárez died on March 21, 2014, and was buried in Avila's cathedral. After his death on March 26, 2014, the Spanish government renamed the Madrid-Barajas Airport to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.

Top 5 fun facts about Spain's busiest airport
Adolfo Suarez. Source: Wikipedia

2. MAD is the second-largest airport in Europe

It is located 30 minutes from the center of Madrid in the suburb of Barajas and is geographically the second-largest airport in Europe. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France is in first place. Madrid Airport has four terminals and four runways. The first runway is now used as a parking lot. In terms of passenger numbers, it is the fifth busiest airport in Europe, with 50.6 million passengers passing through in 2022.

3. MAD's unique Terminal 4

It is home to Spanish national carrier Iberia and its partner airlines in the global alliance. Therefore, it is the best place to arrive if you are visiting Spain from South or North America, the Middle East or Asia.

4. MAD has nine lounges

This was once a luxury that was only available to passengers flying on the most expensive tickets or elite credit card holders. But today, many lounges are open to the public for a fairly affordable fee for everyone. Admittedly, these are noisy, busy and hectic places that may bore you.

5. MAD is located close to the city center

This way passengers can go to the center of Madrid and sightseeing. Madrid Airport also has excellent transportation links, including metro stations in each of the terminals.

Top 5 fun facts about Spain's busiest airport
The location of the airport is very convenient. Source: Wikipedia
Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM