What should I do if my Madrid flight is delayed today?

Use your airline app for live rebooking and vouchers. Keep every receipt for meals and hotels. If you no longer need the trip, ask about a refund or travel credit. Do not book new tickets until you confirm options. Stay at the gate and watch for crew or aircraft swaps.

When does EU261 compensation apply to a Madrid flight delay?

EU261 can apply when delays or cancellations are the airline’s responsibility and you arrive late by set thresholds. Extraordinary causes, like severe weather or ATC strikes, usually remove compensation, but duty of care still applies. Keep boarding passes, booking numbers, delay notices, and receipts to support your claim.

Which airlines are most exposed to Spain airport delays today?

Iberia and Vueling have high Spain exposure through IAG, while Ryanair also runs a large Spain network. Air Europa faces risk on Madrid connections. UK investors should also watch easyJet, Jet2, and TUI for operational advisories, as schedule changes in Spain can spill into UK departures and arrivals.

What indicators show the Madrid flight backlog is clearing?

Look for improved on-time departure rates from Madrid-Barajas, fewer rolling cancellations, and shorter turnaround times. Statements from AENA and ENAIRE on staffing and ATC flow are key. Airlines resuming normal connection banks and removing embargoes on changes are further signs of recovery and stabilising schedules.

How can UK investors size the earnings impact from these delays?

Track cancellation ratios, average delay minutes, and any commentary on yields, fare changes, and duty-of-care costs. Short disruptions have limited impact if pricing holds and backlogs clear fast. Prolonged issues, or heavy EU261 liabilities, raise risk to near-term margins, especially for Spain-focused carriers.

Global Market Insights

Madrid Flight Disruptions February 22: 460 Delays Raise EU261 Risk

ByDanny Kontos February 23, 2026

Madrid flight disruption on 22 February saw 460 delays and 15 cancellations across Spain’s four biggest airports, led by Madrid-Barajas. That scale raises EU261 compensation risk and adds short-term cost pressure for Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair, and Air Europa. For UK travellers, Spain airport delays can spill into Friday evening and the weekend. For investors, we think the key is recovery speed, AENA and ENAIRE updates, and any guidance on schedule integrity and yields from Spain-exposed airlines and travel operators.