Major airport issues huge update after closing in April – cancelled all flights

The airport has been closed since April 23 due to runway renovation works, with all flights cancelled. Its website reads: “Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport will be closed from April 23 to May 27, 2026, for runway resurfacing works. During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place. If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.” Now, Aena, the airport’s management company, has issued an update on the state of renovations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Aena said: “The Santiago -Rosalía de Castro Airport enters the calibration phase of its renewed flight field systems to open to air traffic next Thursday.

“The works will continue with other actions, but with the runway prepared for aircraft operations.

“Calibration flights will be conducted to adjust the ILS precision system, which helps perform landings in low-visibility conditions.”

Most of these British flights operate out of London-based airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, while there are also non-direct flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro from Manchester. The major airlines that operate routes include British Airways, Ryanair, KLM and Vueling.

This comes as it was announced that the world’s busiest airport is set to close forever after opening over 85 years ago. Dubai International Airport (DXB) will permanently shut its doors in 2035, with all operations to be transferred to the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

DWC is currently undergoing a huge £28 billion development, with it set to become the world’s largest air hub. When the work is complete the airport in Dubai World Central is expected to handle an annual passenger capacity of up to 260 million people, making it the largest in the world.

Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths reiterated these plans saying: “There is little sense in operating two major hubs with such close proximity to one another.

“We will move every single service to DWC. By then, every single asset at DXB will be close to the end of its useful operating role, so the economics of keeping DXB open will not be possible unless we invest a huge amount of money.”