Passenger-rights specialist AirHelp released its annual punctuality study on 9 January 2026, revealing that 24 % of flights operating from Spanish airports last year suffered disruptions, affecting more than 34 million travellers. ([diariocritico.com](https://www.diariocritico.com/noticia/594278/notas-de-prensa/airhelp-alerta-34-millones-de-pasajeros-en-espana-sufrieron-retrasos-o-cancelaciones-en-2025.html))
While overall punctuality at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat improved marginally to around 77 %, Palma de Mallorca posted a 34 % delay rate, the worst among major hubs. The single most chaotic day was 3 July, when a French air-traffic-control strike forced airlines to cancel nearly 100 Spain-bound services.
In such disruption-heavy scenarios, VisaHQ can step in to arrange urgent visas or transit permits when rerouting through alternative countries becomes unavoidable. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) streamlines applications and keeps travellers informed of documentation changes, ensuring minimal additional hassle during an already stressful delay.
![Report finds 34 million airline passengers in Spain hit by delays or cancellations in 2025]()
Under EU261, over 1.25 million passengers on Spain-originating flights qualified for compensation, yet AirHelp warns that only 15 % file claims. The company estimates airlines owe up to €450 million in unpaid compensation for 2025 alone.
For corporate-travel managers, the data underline the importance of disturbance-tracking tools and contingency routing, especially during summer peaks. With multiple ground-handling and cabin-crew strikes already slated for Q1 2026, firms should stress flexible tickets and rail alternatives where practical.
AirHelp’s report also highlights bright spots: Asturias Airport achieved an 89 % on-time performance, and Bilbao ranked as Spain’s most punctual large airport, suggesting that decentralising arrival points could mitigate risk on tight-schedule business trips.
While overall punctuality at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat improved marginally to around 77 %, Palma de Mallorca posted a 34 % delay rate, the worst among major hubs. The single most chaotic day was 3 July, when a French air-traffic-control strike forced airlines to cancel nearly 100 Spain-bound services.
In such disruption-heavy scenarios, VisaHQ can step in to arrange urgent visas or transit permits when rerouting through alternative countries becomes unavoidable. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) streamlines applications and keeps travellers informed of documentation changes, ensuring minimal additional hassle during an already stressful delay.
Under EU261, over 1.25 million passengers on Spain-originating flights qualified for compensation, yet AirHelp warns that only 15 % file claims. The company estimates airlines owe up to €450 million in unpaid compensation for 2025 alone.
For corporate-travel managers, the data underline the importance of disturbance-tracking tools and contingency routing, especially during summer peaks. With multiple ground-handling and cabin-crew strikes already slated for Q1 2026, firms should stress flexible tickets and rail alternatives where practical.
AirHelp’s report also highlights bright spots: Asturias Airport achieved an 89 % on-time performance, and Bilbao ranked as Spain’s most punctual large airport, suggesting that decentralising arrival points could mitigate risk on tight-schedule business trips.
