Madrid-Barajas Named “Best European Airport with over 40 Million Passengers”
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport has been honored as the “Best European Airport with over 40 Million Passengers” by the Airports Council International (ACI). This distinction was awarded within the framework of the revamped “ASQ Customer Experience Awards,” considered the highest global recognition for airport operators.
This achievement places Spain’s primary airport infrastructure among the European elite regarding customer experience. This factor has become a vital strategic vector in the increasing competitiveness between high-volume global hubs.
A Recognition Based on the Passenger’s Voice
The distinction earned by Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas features a key differentiating element: it is based exclusively on direct feedback from users collected through ASQ (Airport Service Quality) surveys.
The ASQ program serves as a global benchmarking system for the airport industry. Its primary objectives are:
- To provide a standardized measurement of passenger perception regarding service quality.
- To facilitate accurate comparisons between airports of similar sizes worldwide.
The surveys analyze key variables of the airport experience, including:
- Airport access.
- Quality of facilities.
- Staff friendliness.
- Security.
- Wait times at checkpoints.
This methodological approach ensures the award acts as a technical indicator of operational performance and perceived quality, moving beyond simple quantitative metrics like traffic or capacity.
→ Madrid-Barajas Airport’s T4 Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
A Milestone for Madrid-Barajas
This marks the first time that Madrid-Barajas has received this distinction in its category. The award highlights the efforts made throughout 2025, specifically focusing on enhancing the passenger experience within the terminal facilities.
Mario Otero, Director of AS Madrid-Barajas, noted that this recognition arrives after maintaining “exceptionally high quality standards in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment”. He further emphasized that ASQ surveys are a strategic tool for active listening, allowing the airport to understand expectations and adapt services to diverse traveler profiles.
Otero also credited the broader airport ecosystem, acknowledging the hard work of professionals across the various companies operating at the airport as a fundamental asset for maintaining service excellence.
Aena Consolidates its Position in Europe
The operator Aena secured a total of 15 awards in this edition across 10 of its airports, reinforcing its standing in European perceived quality rankings.
In addition to Madrid-Barajas, the following airports were also recognized as “Best European Airport” in their respective categories:
- Gran Canaria Airport
- Menorca Airport
- Girona Airport
- Reus Airport
- El Hierro Airport
- Pamplona Airport
- Vigo Airport
- Murcia Airport
Furthermore, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport received three additional accolades:
- “European Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff”
- “Most Enjoyable Airport in Europe”
- “Easiest Airport Journey in Europe”
Reus Airport was also honored in the “Easiest Journey” category , while Girona and Pamplona airports received the award for “Cleanest Airport in Europe”.
ACI and the Global Impact of the ASQ Program
Airports Council International was established in 1991 to foster collaboration between airports and other industry stakeholders, including airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO). Their goal is to develop a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport system.
Currently, ACI represents 811 members operating in over 2,200 airports across 160 countries, providing the ASQ program with a massive statistical foundation and global comparative reach.
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