When Was Madrid Airport Built?

By Anna Duncan

Madrid Airport, also known as Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is the main international airport serving Madrid, Spain. This airport sees a large number of passengers every day and is an important hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

When was Madrid Airport built?

Madrid Airport was first opened in 1928 under the name “Madrid-Barajas Airport.” At that time, it was a small airfield located on the outskirts of Madrid.

The airport consisted of just one runway and a small terminal building. Over the years, as air travel became more popular, Madrid-Barajas Airport underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate more passengers and larger planes.

The first expansion

In 1946, a new terminal building was constructed at Madrid-Barajas Airport to replace the original building that had become outdated. This new terminal featured modern amenities like air conditioning and expanded passenger services.

The second expansion

In the 1950s and 1960s, Madrid-Barajas Airport underwent another major expansion to handle the increasing number of flights. During this time, a new runway was added along with several new taxiways. The airport’s infrastructure was also upgraded with new navigational aids and other technologies.

The third expansion

In preparation for Spain’s hosting of the World Cup in 1982, Madrid-Barajas Airport underwent another major renovation and expansion project. A second terminal building was constructed along with additional runways and taxiways to handle the influx of visitors.

The fourth expansion

The most recent major renovation project at Madrid-Barajas Airport began in 2005 with the construction of Terminal 4. This new terminal is one of the largest in the world and features state-of-the-art facilities and services for passengers. The terminal was designed by award-winning architect Richard Rogers and has won several accolades for its innovative design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madrid Airport has a rich history of renovations and expansions to keep up with the growing demand of air travel. From its humble beginnings as a small airfield in 1928 to the modern, world-class airport it is today, Madrid-Barajas Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for Spain and the rest of Europe.