Spain’s airport operator Aena confirmed that its 46-airport network handled a record 10,943 commercial flights over the weekend of 3-4 January, eclipsing the previous high for an opening weekend of the calendar year. Madrid-Barajas led with 2,161 movements, followed by Barcelona-El Prat (1,831) and Málaga-Costa del Sol (873)([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/es/aena-schedules-record-high-10943-flights-for-first-weekend-of-2026/)).
The surge was driven by the overlap of the post-holiday “Operación Retorno” and strong inbound leisure demand from the UK, Germany and France. Low-cost carriers Vueling and Ryanair added double-digit capacity versus 2025, while Iberia deployed wide-body A330s on European routes to boost both seats and belly-hold cargo([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/es/aena-schedules-record-high-10943-flights-for-first-weekend-of-2026/)).
![Spain’s Airports Log Record 10,943 Flights in First Weekend of 2026]()
If you’re one of the millions planning to take advantage of Spain’s expanded winter schedules, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of your trip: its dedicated Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) provides up-to-date Schengen visa requirements, digital applications and optional rush processing, helping travelers and corporate travel managers secure the right documents well before departure.
Crucially, the weekend served as the first stress-test of Spain’s new Entry/Exit biometric kiosks: Barajas operated 120 units, Barcelona 72 and Málaga 48. Average processing times remained under four minutes thanks to 350 extra “blue-vest” staff, but Aena continues to advise passengers to arrive three hours before departure until procedures bed in([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/es/aena-schedules-record-high-10943-flights-for-first-weekend-of-2026/)).
For corporate travel planners, the record traffic underlines Spain’s popularity as a winter meeting destination. Early booking of slots, hotels and ground transport—as well as ensuring passports have a blank biometric page—will be essential to keep January itineraries on track.
The surge was driven by the overlap of the post-holiday “Operación Retorno” and strong inbound leisure demand from the UK, Germany and France. Low-cost carriers Vueling and Ryanair added double-digit capacity versus 2025, while Iberia deployed wide-body A330s on European routes to boost both seats and belly-hold cargo([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/es/aena-schedules-record-high-10943-flights-for-first-weekend-of-2026/)).
If you’re one of the millions planning to take advantage of Spain’s expanded winter schedules, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of your trip: its dedicated Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) provides up-to-date Schengen visa requirements, digital applications and optional rush processing, helping travelers and corporate travel managers secure the right documents well before departure.
Crucially, the weekend served as the first stress-test of Spain’s new Entry/Exit biometric kiosks: Barajas operated 120 units, Barcelona 72 and Málaga 48. Average processing times remained under four minutes thanks to 350 extra “blue-vest” staff, but Aena continues to advise passengers to arrive three hours before departure until procedures bed in([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-06/es/aena-schedules-record-high-10943-flights-for-first-weekend-of-2026/)).
For corporate travel planners, the record traffic underlines Spain’s popularity as a winter meeting destination. Early booking of slots, hotels and ground transport—as well as ensuring passports have a blank biometric page—will be essential to keep January itineraries on track.
