Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the principal airport serving the Spanish capital of Madrid. In the almost 100 years since the airport’s opening in 1931, MAD has become one of the most important transportation hubs across continental Europe. The airport is the busiest in Spain and regularly ranks within the top five across Europe.

The airport is named after Adolfo Suárez, the first democratically elected Prime Minister after the end of the Franco dictatorship. The Barajas part of the airports rather long name refers to the Barajas area of Madrid in which the airport is located.

The airport is the second largest in Europe in terms of overall size second only to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airport features four runways that serve the airport’s five modern terminals. The wavy bamboo clad design of the newer terminal buildings is unique and a great example of modern airport design with character.

The airport serves as a hub for Spanish national carrier Iberia as well as Air Europa, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas and World2Fly. The airport is also served by another 82 airlines that offer travellers direct flight to cities across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The airport is located in the area of Barajas within the city of Madrid. MAD airport is located 9km from the city’s financial district and 13km from Plaza Major and the city’s historic centre. The airport is well connected to the city’s public transport network. The Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 and Aeropuerto T4 stations are part of line 8 on the Madrid Metro system providing a direct link to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. Taxi’s and rideshare are also available that reach the city in just over 20 minutes.