Spain kicks off the four-day Constitution Day long weekend (5-8 December) with near-record air traffic: airport operator Aena reports 21,955 commercial movements nationwide, up 3 % on 2024. Madrid-Barajas alone handles 4,610 operations, followed by Barcelona-El Prat (3,659) and Gran Canaria (4,759). The busiest day is Friday, 5 December, with 5,743 take-offs and landings.
Ibiza offers a micro-case study in Spain’s evolving winter connectivity. The Balearic island will host 316 flights—virtually unchanged from last year—but the mix has shifted sharply toward the domestic market. Of the total, 292 are domestic, 22 more than 2024, while international sectors have halved to just 22. Local tourism boards attribute the cutback to airlines consolidating capacity on core European city pairs during low season and redeploying aircraft to long-haul holiday routes.
![21,955 Flights Planned for Spain’s Constitution Day ‘Puente’—Ibiza Sees Domestic Boom but International Dip]()
For business travellers and expatriates the numbers translate into fuller cabin factors and rising last-minute fares on mainland-to-island hops, while those heading to Ibiza from London, Paris or Frankfurt face fewer direct options and longer routings via Madrid or Barcelona. Cargo planners should also note reduced belly-hold capacity on international flights, potentially lengthening lead times for time-critical shipments.
Aena advises passengers to arrive early and pre-book parking as airport staffing is stretched by the surge. Ground-handling unions have agreed to maintain minimum service levels, but managers warn that peak-hour queues at security and passport control are likely, especially at Barajas T4 and El Prat T1. Travellers connecting onward to Schengen destinations should allow at least 90 minutes for transfers.
Looking ahead, airlines tell Aena they will continue the domestic-first strategy through February 2026, when international frequencies pick up for the Easter holiday. Companies running incentive trips or off-site meetings in the Balearics should therefore block seats early or consider charter options to secure group space.
Ibiza offers a micro-case study in Spain’s evolving winter connectivity. The Balearic island will host 316 flights—virtually unchanged from last year—but the mix has shifted sharply toward the domestic market. Of the total, 292 are domestic, 22 more than 2024, while international sectors have halved to just 22. Local tourism boards attribute the cutback to airlines consolidating capacity on core European city pairs during low season and redeploying aircraft to long-haul holiday routes.
For business travellers and expatriates the numbers translate into fuller cabin factors and rising last-minute fares on mainland-to-island hops, while those heading to Ibiza from London, Paris or Frankfurt face fewer direct options and longer routings via Madrid or Barcelona. Cargo planners should also note reduced belly-hold capacity on international flights, potentially lengthening lead times for time-critical shipments.
Aena advises passengers to arrive early and pre-book parking as airport staffing is stretched by the surge. Ground-handling unions have agreed to maintain minimum service levels, but managers warn that peak-hour queues at security and passport control are likely, especially at Barajas T4 and El Prat T1. Travellers connecting onward to Schengen destinations should allow at least 90 minutes for transfers.
Looking ahead, airlines tell Aena they will continue the domestic-first strategy through February 2026, when international frequencies pick up for the Easter holiday. Companies running incentive trips or off-site meetings in the Balearics should therefore block seats early or consider charter options to secure group space.
