Spain reports more than 6 million international air passengers in January - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Spain received 6.7 million passengers from international airports in January 2026, marking a 5.2% increase compared with the same month last year, according to data published by Turespaña. The flow from Europe rose by 3.5%, while arrivals from the Americas grew by 8.1%. Asian markets recorded the strongest expansion, with a combined increase of 20%.

The figures indicate rising passenger volumes from nearly all major source markets, with Germany representing the sole exception. Particularly notable year-on-year increases were observed from Poland, Ireland and the United States.

Beyond traditional markets, diversification trends continued to gain traction. Countries from the Gulf region posted a positive performance both in volume and growth dynamics. Within Asia, China, South Korea and Japan recorded double-digit growth rates. Latin American markets also showed broad-based expansion.

Performance of key source markets

Among the established European markets, the United Kingdom generated approximately 1.1 million passengers, accounting for 16.6% of total international arrivals in January. The market recorded a year-on-year increase of 1.6%. The Canary Islands remained the leading destination, attracting 44.2% of UK passenger flows, followed by the Valencian Community and Andalusia. The Community of Madrid registered an increase of more than 12,000 additional passengers from this market.

Germany accounted for around 0.7 million passengers, representing 10.3% of total arrivals. The market recorded a 2.6% decline compared with January 2025, with the reduction particularly affecting the Balearic Islands and, to a lesser extent, the Canary Islands. Despite the overall decrease, the Canary Islands remained the primary destination for German travellers, followed by Catalonia. As in previous periods, German passengers predominantly travelled with traditional carriers.

Italy contributed 10.9% of total passenger flows, equivalent to 730,365 arrivals. The market grew by 2.1% year-on-year, with the Community of Madrid and Catalonia jointly receiving more than 60% of Italian passenger volumes. The Valencian Community registered a particularly strong increase of 21.4%, adding 17,585 passengers.

France generated 7% of total arrivals, recording a 1% increase. Madrid captured the largest share of French passenger flows, followed by Catalonia. Most autonomous communities registered growth from this market, with the exception of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Passengers from the Netherlands represented 4.2% of total arrivals but recorded a 4.1% decline. The Valencian Community remained the principal destination, posting moderate growth from this market.

Valencian Community leads regional growth

Spain’s six main autonomous communities accounted for 97.8% of total international passenger arrivals in January. All regions recorded increases except for the Balearic Islands.

The Valencian Community registered the strongest growth, with a 7.7% increase. The Community of Madrid captured the highest overall passenger volume, accounting for 30.3% of arrivals and recording a 6.5% rise. The Canary Islands reported more moderate growth of 1.9%.

The data underscore the continued resilience of Spain’s international air connectivity at the beginning of 2026, supported by growth from diversified long-haul and emerging markets.

Further details are available in Turespaña’s January 2026 air passenger report.

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