During the first three months of 2026, Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, located in Chauchina, recorded a remarkable punctuality rate of 79.7%, ranking only behind Asturias airport. This figure is particularly significant given that, nationwide, one in three flights experienced delays or cancellations during the same period.
AirHelp, a company dedicated to defending passenger rights, revealed that 34.4% of flights in Spain, affecting nearly nine million people, were disrupted. Despite common challenges, such as fog in Chauchina that sometimes prevents take-offs and landings, the Granada airport maintained high performance.
In contrast, the airports with the lowest punctuality rates were La Palma (36.8%), Santiago de Compostela (44.3%), and Ceuta (47.2%). The country's main airports, Madrid and Barcelona, which account for 46% of passenger traffic, had punctuality rates of 66.3% and 68.9% respectively.
“"By analyzing these data and noting the deterioration of punctuality at Spanish airports, AirHelp deems it necessary to recall the importance of having regulations that govern passenger rights; regulations that are, moreover, currently under review in the European Union."
AirHelp has pointed out a general worsening of air punctuality in Spain compared to the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025, over 82% of flights operated on time, affecting half as many passengers as in the current year. The review of European regulations could expand delay thresholds for compensation and redefine extraordinary circumstances.
Currently, passengers are entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros for delays exceeding three hours, cancellations without prior notice, or denied boarding due to overbooking. Airlines must also cover additional expenses incurred due to disruptions and offer alternative flights or a full refund of the ticket.
