Welcome to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (LEMD / MAD) Guide for the Infinite Flight Community! In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to simulate realistic operations at Spain’s largest and busiest airport. Whether you’re planning a flight, exploring new routes, or just want to understand the airport’s layout, this guide will help you navigate Madrid–Barajas with confidence.
History
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport opened in 1931, initially serving both domestic and international traffic. Regular commercial operations began in 1933. The airport has grown to become Spain’s busiest and one of Europe’s most important aviation centers. In 2014, it was renamed to honor Adolfo Suárez, Spain’s first Prime Minister after the Franco era.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is Spain’s largest and busiest airport, serving as Madrid’s primary international gateway and a major European aviation hub. With five terminals and four parallel runways, it is a key base for Iberia and Air Europa, connecting Europe with Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Airport Operations
| Time / Condition | Departure Runways | Arrival Runways |
|---|---|---|
| Day (North Config) | 36L, 36R | 32L, 32R |
| Night Configuration | 36L,14L | 32R,18L |
| South Config (Winds) | 14L, 14R | 18L, 18R |
- Always use 36L/36R for departures and 32L/32R for arrivals in the north configuration (the most common).
- Switch to 14L/14R for departures and 18L/18R for arrivals in the south configuration if winds dictate.
- Departures from 18L/18R - 32R / 32L are NOT allowed.
-
Terminal 1 (T1):
- Handles mainly international flights (non-Schengen routes)
-
Terminal 2 (T2):
- Primarily serves domestic and Schengen flights
-
Terminal 3 (T3):
- Functions as an extension of T2, mainly serves as overflow for Schengen and some domestic operations.
-
Terminal 4 (T4):
- The main hub for Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Nostrum, Vueling.
-
Terminal 4S (T4 Satellite):
- Satellite terminal, located approximately 2 km from T4 and connected by an underground train.
- Dedicated to non-Schengen international flights for T4 airlines (mainly Iberia and One World partners).
| Terminal | Main Airlines |
|---|---|
| T1 | Ryanair, Air Europa, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines, Delta, United, Air Canada, Aeromexico, Air China, Saudia, Egyptair, Pegasus, Middle East Airlines, Cubana, Tunisair, TAROM, Air Arabia Maroc, Air Serbia, Hainan Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Pegasus, Jet Blue, Azul |
| T2 | Air Europa, Ryanair, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, Norwegian, Transavia, Volotea, LOT Polish, Aegean Airlines |
| T3 | Brussels Airlines, Air Europa, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP, Binter Canarias, |
| T4 | Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Nostrum, Vueling, American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, LATAM, Emirates, Finnair, Royal Air Maroc, El Al, Avianca, Boliviana de Aviación, Aer Lingus, Bulgaria Air, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Luxair |
| T4S | Iberia’s non-Schengen international flights, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Latam Airlines, Avianca, El Al, All One World group International flights (British Airways, American Airlines, Royal air Maroc…) |
| Cargo Airline / Operator |
|---|
| DHL Aviation |
| Air China Cargo |
| Turkish Airlines Cargo |
| Etihad Cargo |
| Nippon Express |
| Korean Air Cargo |
| Qatar Cargo |
| Atlas Air |
| Emirates SkyCargo |
| Latam Cargo |
Standard taxiway routes
Madrid-Barajas has some of the longest taxi times in Europe, the average “taxi out” time at Madrid-Barajas is 18.6 minutes.
Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD) uses a complex taxiway system to efficiently move aircraft between runways and terminals. The standard taxi routes depend on the runway used for landing and the assigned parking stand or terminal.
| Runway Landed | Terminal | Standard Taxi Route Example |
|---|---|---|
| 36L/36R | T1/T2/T3 | M10 → M17 → R5 / R6 / R7 → R8 → Z2 |
| 36L/36R | T4 | R3 → R1 → Z4 |
| 36L/36R | T4S | EB2/EC2 → N10/N11 → N9 → N6 → N4/N3 → BN1/G11 → Z3/Z1 |
| 18L/18R | All Terminals | Join main parallel taxiway (M - MZ / R / Z / NY - N), taxi South has instructed |
- M (Mike) - A (Alpha: One of the primary’s north-south taxiways, running parallel to the main terminal complex and connecting various aprons and runway access points.
Taxiway Configurations
| North Configuration | South Configuration |
|---|---|
| Mike to the North | Mike to the South |
| Alpha to the South | Alpha to the North |
Examples:
- Taxiway route from Stand T3 (South area) to runway 36R
- Taxiway route from same stand but to runway 14L
- Taxiway route from Stand 360 at T4 to runway 36L
- Taxiway route from same stand but to runway 14R
- Taxi out from runway 32L to Terminal 2
- Taxi out from runway 18R to Terminal 2
- Taxi out from runway 32R to Terminal 4S
- Taxi out from runway 18L to Terminal 4
- Vacating Runway 32L, Always join taxiway Alpha and the turn right to make 180º to Join Mike.
ATC Building
Approaches - Departures procedures
Approach Types at LEMD
- ILS (Instrument Landing System)
- RNAV (GNSS) approaches are available as alternatives.
- VOR and NDB approaches may be published but are rarely used by modern airliners
Thank you for reading this thread please if you have any questions let me know in the comments!