Overview
- Aena reported that between January and May 2026 Spain's airport network carried about 124 million passengers, a 3.7% increase year‑on‑year.
- May was stronger than the monthly average with roughly 30.7 million passengers, a 5% rise that Aena links to expanded summer programming.
- Smaller regional airports recorded steep month‑on‑month or cumulative gains: Granada rose 21.3% in May, Córdoba jumped 121% in May and 271% Jan–May, and Vigo/Peinador grew about 19.7% in May.
- Aena says the uptick reflects punctual drivers including a 'refuge' effect after the late‑April Middle East conflict, a transfer of some travellers from rail after the 18 January accident, and traffic shifted by Santiago–Lavacolla's temporary runway closure.
- Airlines and airports are adjusting schedules, using larger aircraft and reallocating routes to absorb displaced demand, a set of tactical moves that Aena warns may not signal permanent structural change.