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Madrid Barajas (MAD) Airport Guide

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SUMMARY


Madrid Barajas Airport is the main airport serving the Spanish capital of Madrid. It is the fourth busiest airport in Europe and the 11th busiest airport in the world. In fact many passengers complain about the airport being too big which makes it hard to navigate. This huge airport has worldwide connections, particularly with other Spanish-speaking parts of the world such as Latin America. The airport is the primary hub for Iberia, which accounts for more than half of the traffic which goes through Barajas. Iberia flights leave from terminal 4 which also accommodates that OneWorld Alliance members like British Airways


HISTORY


The airport was built in 1927 and began to operate flights four years later. By the end of the 1940s scheduled flights to the Philippines and Latin America had started. At that point the airport could accommodate half a million passengers as flying became popular and Spanish people realised they could go to exotic destinations like New York. Terminal 2 was opened in 1954 and three years later Barajas this was classified as a first-class international airport. It was in the 1960s that the airport began to get really popular with the boom in tourism to Spain.

Terminal 1 was built for international flights at the beginning of the 1970s and in 1974 the air shuttle between Madrid and Barcelona began. More money was pumped into Madrid Barajas Airport for the 1982 football World Cup. It was renovated again 10 years later and in 1994, the first cargo terminal was constructed. New control towers were built and the North Dock terminal was created for Schengen Flights.


DIRECTIONS


Madrid Barajas airport is eight miles from the Madrid historic city centre and 5 and a half miles from the financial district. To drive from Madrid to the airport you take the M40 ring road, look for signs for the A2 and from that road take exit 12 to the M14. Then follow signs directly to the airport.


 

FACILITIES


Madrid Barajas airport runs an air shuttle to Barcelona - the Puente AĆ©reo. It is busiest air route in the world with nearly a thousand flights per week connecting the two most important cities in Spain.

To get to terminal 4 look out for a free shuttlebus. Terminal 4 is connected to its satellite terminal via an automated passenger transport system. Buses connect the airport with the long-stay car park from outside the arrivals hall

There are more than 20 tourist information desks spread throughout the airport including a main desk in terminal 1. There is also a team of staff on hand to help with any queries you might have.

Madrid Barajas airport has lots of conference rooms and meeting rooms available to hire. Terminal 2 has a large business centre. All of the terminals have VIP lounges. Bear in mind that there is a lack of plugs. To use the Internet at terminal 4 costs one euro per half hour.

Madrid Barajas airport has wheelchair ramp access.


SHOPPING


Madrid Barajas airport has more than 100 shops. There is nothing very exciting with the general range which you would expect from a European airport, except for the Imaginarium at Terminal 4 which has intelligent children’s toys. Of course there are pharmacies, clothes shops, newsagents, confectioners and many places to buy souvenirs and postcards. Terminal 4 has the favourite Spanish high-street shops Zara and Mango along with expensive boutiques.

DUTY FREE


Expect a large range of duty-free shopping available at Madrid Barajas airport. You can buy cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics from any one of the four terminals. The Aldeasa duty free shop even has local delicacies such as chorizo, but these are relatively expensive.


 

CAR HIRE


With all leading suppliers located at the airport you wiil be spoilt for choice with Madrid Airport car hire.

LHR QUICK FACTS


Serves Madrid
Terminals 4
IATA Code MAD
Annual Passengers 48 million
Owner Aena
Hub for Air Europa, Easyjet, Vueling, Spanair, Iberia, Mint Airways, Ryanair
Coordinates 40°28′20″N 003°33′39″W


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