Spain flight delays 2025 data from AirHelp reveals which airports performed best and worst for on-time departures during the first half of the year.
With more than 455,000 flights departing from Spanish airports, 21.2% experienced delays or cancellations, affecting over 650,000 passengers eligible for compensation.
The overall punctuality rate shows a slight improvement in delayed flights compared to last year. However, cancellations increased, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable schedules for Spain’s busy travel hubs.
Spain’s Most Punctual Airports in 2025
Among Spanish airports with at least 2,000 scheduled flights per month, several regional hubs achieved standout punctuality scores. Leading the list is Granada-Jaén Airport, where 89.4% of departures left on time, providing travelers with one of the smoothest flying experiences in Spain.
Following Granada-Jaén, the second and third most punctual airports were Asturias and Melilla, with on-time departure rates of 88.4% and 87.9%, respectively. These smaller airports offer an advantage to travelers seeking reliability, as lower traffic often contributes to better punctuality.
The top-performing airports for the first half of 2025 include:
AirportOn-Time Departure RateGranada-Jaén89.4%Asturias88.4%Melilla87.9%
These airports demonstrate that regional gateways can sometimes outperform Spain’s largest travel hubs, providing travelers with a smoother journey and reduced disruption risks.
Spain’s Worst Airports for Flight Delays
While some airports excelled, others struggled with flight punctuality. Mallorca and Lanzarote recorded the lowest performance levels during the first half of 2025, creating challenges for both leisure and business travelers.
Mallorca Airport: 73.4% on-time departuresLanzarote Airport: 74.5% on-time departures
As two of Spain’s busiest holiday destinations, these airports face heavy seasonal traffic, which contributes to delays. For travelers heading to the Balearic and Canary Islands, planning with flexible itineraries is advisable to avoid unexpected travel disruptions.
Performance of Major Hubs: Madrid and Barcelona
Spain’s largest airports handle millions of passengers and extensive international traffic. Madrid-Barajas Airport managed approximately 14.6 million passengers in the first half of 2025, while Barcelona-El Prat handled about 12.4 million.
Despite their size, these major hubs performed reasonably well in terms of punctuality:
AirportPassengers (H1 2025)On-Time Departure RateMadrid-Barajas14.6 million78.9%Barcelona-El Prat12.4 million81%
While these figures are lower than the top-performing regional airports, they remain competitive for high-capacity facilities that connect Spain to the rest of the world.
Airlines Leading and Lagging in Punctuality
AirHelp’s analysis also highlights airline performance. Iberia Express, a low-cost carrier operating within Spain, continues to lead in punctuality. Of its 41 flights analyzed in the first half of 2025, serving over 6,200 travelers, 21.5% faced some form of disruption, which is still lower compared to competitors.
This consistent performance reflects the airline’s operational efficiency and its ability to navigate Spain’s diverse airport network. For passengers prioritizing on-time arrivals, Iberia Express remains a strong choice among domestic and regional carriers.
What This Means for Travelers
The 2025 mid-year report underscores the importance of understanding airport performance before booking flights. Spain remains one of Europe’s busiest travel markets, especially during summer and holiday peaks. Travelers can reduce stress and avoid long delays by considering the following:
Choose flights departing from top-performing airports like Granada-Jaén or Asturias whenever possible.Allow buffer time for connections if flying through Mallorca or Lanzarote during high season.Check airline punctuality history, with carriers like Iberia Express showing stronger on-time records.Use travel insurance or compensation services if flights are delayed or canceled.
Knowing which airports and airlines are most reliable can transform a frustrating travel experience into a smooth journey. As air travel demand continues to grow in Spain, staying informed about punctuality trends will help travelers make better choices and avoid unnecessary disruption.
Spain’s Travel Outlook for the Remainder of 2025
The flight punctuality trends observed in the first half of 2025 set the tone for the rest of the year. With major airports like Madrid and Barcelona maintaining steady performance and regional airports excelling, Spain remains an attractive destination for international and domestic travelers.
However, as traffic surges during peak travel seasons, delays at high-volume holiday airports like Mallorca and Lanzarote may continue to pose challenges. Travelers can benefit by monitoring flight updates, choosing morning departures, and staying flexible with their itineraries.
Spain’s aviation sector is adapting to growing demand, and data from AirHelp serves as a valuable tool for travelers planning their next journey across the country. By understanding which airports and airlines lead in punctuality, passengers can navigate Spain’s skies with confidence and convenience.