Cuatro Vientos Airport (ECV)

Cuatro Vientos Airport (ECV) is Spain's oldest aviation facility, established in 1911, and serves as a major general aviation and military hub located just 8 kilometers southwest of Madrid's city center. It primarily supports private aircraft, flight training academies, and various government air services, including the Spanish National Police and traffic surveillance. The airport features a single paved runway and is strictly authorized for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic, making it a bustling center for pilot education and recreational flying in the Madrid region. The passenger terminal building is compact and functional, catering specifically to the needs of the general aviation community. Facilities include a main concourse with check-in desks for charter groups, an Aeronautical Information Service (ARO) for flight planning, and a dedicated restaurant and café area. While there are no large-scale retail outlets or duty-free shops typical of international hubs, the terminal provides essential amenities such as restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and potable water fountains. The airport is also home to several prominent flight schools, such as AEROTEC and European Flyers, which maintain their own specialized training facilities and hangars on the field. A significant attraction at the airport site is the Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica (Air Museum), which preserves Spain's rich aviation heritage with an extensive collection of over 150 historic aircraft. Ground transportation is well-facilitated by the Madrid Metro Line 10 (Cuatro Vientos station) and several local bus lines (500, 501) that connect the terminal to the city's transport hubs like Príncipe Pío. Taxis and car rentals are also available, and the airport offers free parking for visitors. For scheduled commercial airline services, travelers should look to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located on the opposite side of the city.