Mass Flight Disruptions Hit Five Major Spanish Airports on Epiphany Eve
Spain & Oman Activate Visa-Free Travel for Diplomats and Service Passport Holders
UK Issues Final Reminder: ETA Becomes Mandatory for Spanish Travellers from 25 February 2026
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EU Travel Shake-Up for 2026: New Border Tech and Higher Tourist Taxes Hit Spain Too
A Europe-wide travel outlook published on 6 January confirms that Spain will feel the bite of stricter border controls (EES), delayed ETIAS permits, and higher visitor taxes in Barcelona, Palma and Valencia. Companies face rising costs and new compliance steps when moving staff or staging events in Spain during 2026.
Epiphany Traffic: Madrid-Barajas to Operate 1,006 Flights on 6 January
Aena expects Madrid-Barajas to process 1,006 flights on 6 January, leading Spain’s Epiphany traffic as the holiday travel season winds down. Although slightly below 2025’s tally, the day caps a Christmas period with 7.8 % more flights overall, signalling continued demand and potential congestion for business travellers.
Spain and Oman ratify mutual visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passports
A bilateral agreement between Spain and Oman entered into force on 4 January 2026, eliminating short-stay visa requirements for diplomatic, special and service-category passports. The move streamlines official travel, especially for energy and defence delegations, by removing the need for multiple-entry visas and cutting processing times. Government and industry stakeholders expect faster project execution and deeper bilateral cooperation.
Aena prepares for record-breaking 10,943 flights over Spain’s first weekend of 2026
Aena confirmed a record 10,943 flight movements across Spain on 3-4 January 2026, fuelled by the domestic holiday-return rush and strong inbound leisure demand from northern Europe. While queue times rose slightly, contingency staffing and extra e-gates kept border-processing delays manageable. Travel managers should anticipate tighter seat availability and advise assignees to budget extra airport time.