Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport — Local services in Madrid

This airport has outdone themselves and figured out a way to be one of the absolute worst airports in the world. There are so many things wrong with this place, where do i even begin? There is an insane amount of disorganization, at least half of the employees aren’t qualified to work here and unable to answer even the most basic questions. And if they succeed in answering a question, it’s very likely they’ve sent you to the complete opposite direction of where you need to go, somewhere all the way on the complete other side of the airport. Two women immigration officers at passport control on the way to Terminal 1 who clearly act as if they hate their jobs, gave not only me but everyone else in line unnecessary attitude unprovoked. They had no idea what they were talking about Their unprovoked hostility was not only unprofessional but also misinformed, as they incorrectly advised on passport usage. I just agreed since when you’re dealing with stupid people like this, the best thing to do is just nod and fix the issue later on, especially because these two immigration employees were on a power trip and there is nothing more dangerous than incompetent people who hold even a sliver of power. And then one of these women had a mini temper tantrum when i asked her if i could please have a bit of hand sanitizer. I kid you not…she literally grabbed it and threw hand sanitizer at me while pumping it out! I was correct to believe that they would abuse the little bit of power they have if given the chance. And there is an old man at the information desk around Terminal 4 immigration near the buses to Terminal 4S who also has one of the biggest attitudes. He proves that age does NOT equal wisdom, because I’ve met 10 year old children more mature than this old man. It’s very sad he acts this way honestly. And in the security line the employees were constantly giving us instructions that contradicted the other employees who told us something different. This airport is full of employees who not only have no idea what they’re talking about, but who will give you a ton of attitude for no reason. Madrid as a country is beautiful, it’s only the employees in this airport who aren’t good people. This place would be a lot more efficient if they completely shut it down and just ran the airport operations out of a...

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, originally known simply as Madrid-Barajas Airport, has a rich history that reflects its critical role in Spain's aviation development and international connectivity. The airport, located about 12 kilometers northeast of Madrid's city center, officially opened on April 22, 1931. Designed to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the early 20th century, it quickly became a pivotal hub for both domestic and international flights.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the airport temporarily ceased commercial activities, transforming into a strategic military base. Post-war, Madrid-Barajas underwent significant reconstruction to restore and expand its facilities. In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport witnessed rapid development with the construction of new terminals to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. This era marked its transformation into a modern gateway, connecting Madrid to major European cities and beyond.

The airport continued to evolve with the inauguration of a new terminal in 1974, which further enhanced its capacity and services. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Barajas underwent a massive expansion project known as the Plan Barajas. This included the construction of Terminal 4, designed by the renowned architects Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers, which opened in 2006. Terminal 4 significantly increased the airport's capacity and was recognized for its innovative architecture and sustainable design.

In March 2014, the airport was renamed Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas, in honor of Spain's first democratically elected Prime Minister after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. This change acknowledged Suárez's pivotal role in Spain's transition to democracy.

Today, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport ranks as one of Europe's busiest airports, serving as a major hub for the national carrier, Iberia, and facilitating connections to countless destinations worldwide. Its continuous modernization and expansion reflect its enduring importance as a gateway for international travel...

I AM BACK AFTER a tough 2024 health- wise. My apologies to my followers. Since my last review, I've traveled to Spain in September 2024.

This review focuses on the IBERIA AIRLINES personnel and their behavior at the airport on the arrival and departure segments. My flight was smooth on both segments. Flight attendants were professional and caring, unlike the people at the airport during the departure. BUYER beware, I purchased my ticket thru AMERICAN AIRLINES or AA, and they were quick to take my money and then after advised me that the flight was thru IBERIA AIRLINES one of their PARTNERS. I have since stopped using AA. I tried complaining to AA about sitting assignments, and luggage fees and I was told by a very rude Gabriela from AA's customer relations that it was not their problem and to take it up with IBERIA AIRLINES. The fee for my luggage was included in the airfare, and I was held hostage on the return unless I paid $100 dollars per luggage to IBERIA. On the departure from NY, my family and I had paid to sit together in the plane. At the airport during check in I was told there was a change of plane and my family assignments had changed. We were all, literally, dispersed throughout the plane. NOBODY at the airport from AA who handled the departure activities for the segment could do anything about it. It was unprofessional, frustrating. Complain at the airport in Spain I was told. I did, and the IBERIA personnel did NOT care either. Fill out this form which they handed to me, they said, and we'll send it to somebody. We are are 3rd party vendor. One of the pictures in this review is the counter lady at the airport for IBERIA who was heartless, and mean spirited. I will not do business with neither airline anymore. AMERICAN AIRLINES and IBERIA AIRLINES are FIRED!! I wonder if they treat all customers...