The closure of Santiago de Compostela Airport in 2026 has caused great concern among travellers and pilgrims planning to visit Galicia and begin the Camino de Santiago. Between 23 April and 27 May, the main runway at Lavacolla will undergo a complete renovation, requiring all commercial flights to be diverted. This situation will affect not only those flying directly to Santiago, but also thousands of pilgrims wishing to start their journey toward the iconic Cathedral of Santiago.
With proper planning and knowledge of the available alternatives, this closure does not have to become an insurmountable obstacle. In this article, we explore the details of the shutdown, its implications for pilgrims, and the alternative transport options that will facilitate access to the different Camino routes leading to Santiago.
Why Santiago Airport is closing in 2026: official dates and scope of the works
The renovation of the Santiago Airport runway will take place between 23 April and 27 May 2026, as confirmed by AENA. This project is essential to guarantee the airport’s safety and operational capacity, and includes several major improvements:
- Complete replacement of the runway pavement: This upgrade is necessary to ensure safe take-offs and landings.
- Renovation of drainage and lighting systems: These improvements are crucial for visibility and flight safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Upgrades to meet European operational safety regulations: Adjustments ensuring that the airport complies with international standards.
- Technical works that require the total shutdown of the runway: This means no flights can operate during the construction period.
The closure coincides with a high-demand period—springtime, holiday weekends and the weeks leading into summer—which adds significant complexity to travel plans for Camino pilgrims. Operational restrictions are also expected before and after the shutdown, increasing the need for travellers to plan well in advance.
Impact of the Santiago Airport closure on pilgrims
Lavacolla Airport is the main entry point for pilgrims starting various Camino de Santiago routes. Among the most affected routes are:
- French Way: From Sarria, O Cebreiro, Samos or Triacastela.
- Portuguese Way: From Tui, Valença do Minho or O Porriño.
- English Way: From Ferrol or A Coruña.
- Connections to the Primitivo or Sanabrés Ways: From Ourense.
- Fisterra-Muxía Way: For those heading to these coastal destinations.
The airport closure between April and May coincides with:
- The peak booking season for the Camino.
- A surge in international pilgrim arrivals.
- The busiest weeks for specialised travel agencies.
Most likely effects for pilgrims
- The need to fly into A Coruña, Vigo, Porto, Asturias or Madrid.
- Longer travel times to reach Camino starting points.
- Adjustments to train, bus and private transfer schedules.
- Higher demand at alternative airports during the closure period.
- Possible disruption to return travel after completing the Camino.
In conclusion, while travel will still be possible, planning ahead and being flexible will be essential to adapting to these changes.
Alternative airports during the Santiago Airport closure
During the shutdown, travellers will have several alternative airports available to absorb redirected traffic. Below are the main airports along with useful distances for pilgrims:
A Coruña Airport (LCG)
Approximate distances:
- Santiago: 67 km
- Sarria: 125 km
- Ferrol: 51 km
- Lugo: 100 km
The airport offers frequent train and bus connections throughout Galicia and often handles redirected traffic when Lavacolla is unavailable.
Vigo Airport (VGO)
Approximate distances:
- Santiago: 98 km
- Tui: 25 km
- Pontevedra: 30 km
- O Porriño: 15 km
This is the main entry point for travellers arriving from the south, and has excellent connections with Portugal.
Porto Airport (OPO)
Approximate distances:
- Tui: 120 km
- Vigo: 150 km
- Santiago: 230 km
One of the best-connected airports in the Iberian Peninsula, with numerous international flights.
Asturias Airport (OVD)
Approximate distances:
- Oviedo: 48 km
- Ribadeo: 135 km
- Lugo: 160 km
Very convenient for travellers arriving from northern Spain or for those combining the trip with the Northern or Primitivo Camino routes.
Madrid Airport (MAD)
Offers direct high-speed rail (AVE) to Ourense and numerous train and bus connections to Lugo, Ferrol, Ponferrada, Sarria and Santiago.
Which Camino route is closest to each airport
| Airport | Most accessible Camino | Approximate distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Coruña (LCG) | English Way | 51 km to Ferrol | Very good bus and train accessibility |
| Vigo (VGO) | Portuguese Way | 25 km to Tui | Main southern entry point |
| Porto (OPO) | Portuguese Way | — | Excellent for international travellers |
| Asturias (OVD) | Primitivo / Northern Way | 48 km to Oviedo | Ideal if Galicia has limited capacity |
| Madrid (MAD) | French Way | Via train and bus | High national and international connectivity |
How to reach the main Camino starting points without flying to Santiago
Sarria (French Way)
- Train from A Coruña → Lugo → bus to Sarria.
- AVE Madrid → Ourense + bus/taxi to Sarria.
- Direct bus Madrid → Lugo + bus to Sarria.
Tui (Portuguese Way)
- From Vigo: frequent buses and taxis.
- From Porto: train to Valença do Minho + walk or taxi across the border.
Ferrol (English Way)
- From A Coruña: direct bus.
- From Madrid: train to A Coruña + bus to Ferrol.
Ourense (Sanabrés / Primitivo Way)
- AVE from Madrid.
- Connections from Vigo, A Coruña and Lugo.
O Cebreiro
- Bus Ponferrada → Piedrafita + taxi.
- From A Coruña: train to Lugo + taxi or bus to Piedrafita.
Recommendations for planning a trip to Galicia during the airport closure
- Book flights early: April and May will see high demand in A Coruña, Vigo and Porto.
- Allow extra time for connections: Avoid tight links between flights and ground transport.
- Arrange internal transport in advance: Buses and trains may fill up earlier.
- Review alternative routes: Especially important for those starting from Sarria or Tui.
- Check updated schedules frequently: The closure will cause continuous timetable adjustments.
- Avoid improvising: In 2026 it will be essential to reach your Camino starting point with carefully planned logistics.
Frequently asked questions about the Santiago Airport closure in 2026
When will Santiago Airport be closed?
Between 23 April and 27 May 2026, both dates included.
Will flights operate during this period?
No. The runway will be completely inactive and all flights will be cancelled or diverted.
Which airports will be used during the closure?
Mainly A Coruña, Vigo, Porto, Asturias and Madrid.
Can I start the Camino without flying into Santiago?
Yes. Galicia offers multiple access points and strong transport links to reach any starting location.
Will there be issues returning home after finishing the Camino?
In April–May, yes: many return flights will depart from other airports, so arranging transport in advance is essential.
The closure of Santiago Airport in 2026 will force thousands of travellers and pilgrims to reorganise their mobility plans. Although Lavacolla will be completely inactive, Galicia and its surroundings offer several alternatives that ensure access to the main Camino routes. Planning, foresight and flexibility will be key to ensuring a smooth journey during this period.
