Spain’s airport operator Aena has reported a record 321.6 million passengers across its Spanish airports, marking the third consecutive year of growth. The figure represents a 3.9 per cent increase compared to the previous year and surpassed the company’s own forecast of 320 million passengers, reflecting stronger-than-expected travel demand.

The continued rise in passenger numbers highlights Spain’s solid position as a key European tourism destination. While the global airline industry continues to face challenges such as aircraft delivery delays, labour shortages, and rising operating costs, demand for travel to and within Spain has remained resilient.

Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport retained its position as the busiest airport in the country, followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Palma de Mallorca. These airports continue to play a central role in handling both domestic and international traffic, supporting the country’s tourism and business travel ecosystem.

Aena noted that the consistent growth in passenger traffic has reinforced the need for long-term infrastructure planning. The company is currently working on its investment plan for the 2027–2031 period to ensure its airports are well equipped to manage rising demand in the years ahead.

“Traffic records from recent years are a clear indication of this need and of the situation that will arise in the coming years in terms of infrastructure,” the company said in its statement.

While Aena did not share an updated outlook for the next year, the latest results underline the operator’s strong performance and Spain’s ongoing attractiveness as a major travel market in Europe.