China to Waive Visas for Spaniards From 1 January 2026 in 15-Day Pilot Scheme
Ground-Handling Strike at Madrid-Barajas Set to Disrupt Flights on 26 December
Nationwide Ryanair Ground-Staff Strike Hits Tenerife Sur and Other Spanish Airports
Latest News
Spanish Airports to Operate 16,428 Flights Over Year-End Weekend, Says Aena
Aena forecasts 16,428 flights across its network for the 26-28 December weekend, 3.2 % more than last year. Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga will see the heaviest traffic. While demand is buoyant, concurrent labour strikes mean travellers should allow extra buffer time at major hubs.
‘Operation Christmas’ Phase 2 Begins: DGT Expects 1.9 Million Car Journeys in Andalucía
Spain’s traffic authority has started the second phase of ‘Operación Navidad’, expecting nearly two million car journeys in Andalucía from 26 December to 1 January. Extra patrols, drones and dynamic speed limits aim to ease congestion and cut accidents. International staff driving in the region should watch peak-hour forecasts and ensure toll tags are correctly configured.
China Grants Spain Visa-Free Access in 2026 Pilot, Opening Asia’s Biggest Market to Spanish Travelers
Beijing has added Spain to its new 15-day visa-free entry scheme starting 1 January 2026. The move slashes red tape for Spanish business and leisure travelers, with immediate cost and time savings, and is expected to boost bilateral trade and tourism. Firms should note the 15-day limit and keep watching for operational adjustments.
Irregular Arrivals to Spain Fall 40 % in 2025, Government Data Show
Spain recorded 35,935 irregular arrivals in 2025—40 % fewer than in 2024 and the lowest in three years—thanks chiefly to tighter Canary Islands controls. Business immigration advisers say lighter caseloads are already reducing processing backlogs, but employers should watch new hotspots such as Ceuta/Melilla land crossings.
Christmas Day Still Busy: 3,515 Flights Scheduled Across Spain, Up 9 % on 2024
Spain will see 3,515 flights on 25 December, up nearly 9 % year-on-year, confirming robust holiday demand. Corporate travellers can find cheaper fares but should prepare for possible weather-related delays and limited ground transport.
Canary Islands Airports Log 837 Flights on 25 December, Keeping Island Links Flowing
Canarian airports will process 837 flights on 25 December—up 5 % year-on-year—ensuring robust links for tourists, residents and inter-island business trips. The figures highlight the islands’ booming off-season travel and the need for early seat planning.