Ryanair, Vueling and British Airways flights to holiday destination cancelled as airport shuts for 5 weeks
Flights to a Spanish city have been cancelled ahead of a five week closure of an airport. Santiago de Compostela Airport, also known as Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport in north-western Spain will halt all operations, including flights from Essex based Stansted airport, from Thursday, April 23 until Wednesday, May 27, with no departures or arrivals permitted throughout the closure period.The shutdown forms part of a €31 million enhancement scheme announced by Spanish airport operator AENA, encompassing substantial resurfacing work on the airport's primary runway.While the upgrades aim to improve safety and operational efficiency, they necessitate a complete closure spanning just over five weeks. The disruption is expected to impact thousands of UK travellers, with carriers including Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia and British Airways all running services to the airport. Ryanair and Vueling operate direct routes from Essex based Stansted to the Spanish airport.Routes generally link the region with key Spanish destinations such as Barcelona and Madrid, in addition to UK connections, reports the Liverpool Echo. Typically, approximately 30 UK-bound flights arrive at Santiago de Compostela weekly. With aircraft accommodating roughly 180 passengers, up to 4,500 British holidaymakers could potentially be affected throughout the closure.AENA said in a statement: "The airport will be closed from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway resurfacing works. During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place. If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline."Those still intending to travel to the area during the closure are being urged to consider alternative nearby airports. Vigo Airport, situated roughly 61 miles south of Santiago, or just over an hour's drive away. The city in question, Santiago de Compostela, serves as Galicia's capital and holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status, celebrated for its Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It is also famously the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
