Spain received a total of 8.6 million international air passengers last March, representing a 6.6% increase compared to the same month last year, according to data published today by Turespaña.
85.7% of the total passenger flow came from Europe, recording a rise of 7.3%. 9.5% arrived from the Americas, with an increase of 7.6%. Asia, which accounts for 1.7% of total passengers, saw a significant decline of -36.3%.
60% of them chose low-cost carriers (LCCs) for their journey, an increase of +9.7%, whilst those travelling with traditional airlines, the remaining 40%, saw a smaller rise of +2.4%. Between January and March, Spain received around 22.4 million international passengers, recording a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This represents 1.2 million additional arrivals.
In March, there was an increase in international passenger arrivals from the main markets, with the exception of France. Notable were the year-on-year increases from Poland and Ireland and the positive trend from the United States. In terms of market diversification (other countries), China, South Korea and Brazil stand out for the increase in international passenger arrivals. Likewise, the decline in arrivals from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Israel is notable, driven by the armed conflict in the Middle East.
Among the traditional markets, the United Kingdom contributed around 1.8 million international passengers and accounted for 20.8% of total arrivals in Spain, with a year-on-year increase of 10.9%.
The Canary Islands were the main destination for the British market, accounting for 34.2% of the total, followed by the Valencian Community (18%) and Andalusia (15.9%). All regions saw an increase in passenger arrivals, with the exception of Galicia and the Principality of Asturias, which recorded significant declines.
1.1 million passengers flew from Germany (13.2% of the total), returning to the positive trend lost at the start of the year, with a year-on-year increase of 32%, largely due to growth in the Balearic Islands and Andalusia. As with British travellers, the Canary Islands were the main destination, accounting for 29.5% of the total, although this represented a year-on-year decline of 2.4%. Similarly, the Community of Madrid and the Basque Country also recorded a decline this month.
Italy accounted for 10.5% of the passenger flow received in March (896,805), recording year-on-year growth of 5% which benefited almost all regions, with the Valencian Community standing out with over 18,000 additional passengers, and with the exception of Cantabria and the Canary Islands, which saw a significant decline. The main destinations were Catalonia and the Community of Madrid, accounting for 58.3% of arrivals, according to Turespaña.
France accounted for 6.7% of total passengers, showing a year-on-year decline of -1.4% in March. The Community of Madrid accounted for 30.1% of total arrivals, and Catalonia for 26.1% of the flow. According to Turespaña data, both recorded a reduction in arrivals of -6.1% and -2% respectively.
In contrast, Andalusia, Galicia and the Balearic Islands saw an increase in international passenger arrivals compared to the same month last year, with Andalusia standing out with over 6,000 additional arrivals.
Passengers arriving from the Netherlands accounted for 4.5% of the total and saw a slight recovery of +0.6% in March, largely due to the significant increase in arrivals in Andalusia (6,683 additional arrivals). Conversely, the Basque Country, the Community of Madrid and Catalonia saw a decline in passenger arrivals this month. Their main destinations were Andalusia and the Valencian Community, with shares of 22.1% and 21.3% respectively.
In March, the six main autonomous communities accounted for 97.5% of total arrivals, all recording increases. The Canary Islands saw the smallest rise, at 1.5%. The Community of Madrid accounted for the highest number of passengers, with 25.4% of arrivals, followed by Catalonia and the Canary Islands, with 20.3% and 18.7% respectively.
The flow of arrivals on traditional airlines was led by the Community of Madrid with a 48.7% share and a 3.7% increase. Among the autonomous communities, Catalonia was the main destination in this category, with a 24.4% share and a 10.3% increase. As for airports, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas tops the list, receiving 2.1 million passengers (including both traditional and low-cost carriers), an increase of 3.8%. According to Turespaña, the airport experiencing the highest year-on-year growth is Seville, with 15.9%.