โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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 cafรฉ 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 Aeronรกutica y Astronรกutica (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 Prรญncipe Pรญo. 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.
๐ Connection Tips
Cuatro Vientos Airport (ECV) is a historic aviation landmark in Spain, serving as the country's oldest airfield and a primary hub for general aviation and flight training in Madrid. For travelers connecting through ECV, the most important tip is to understand its role as a purely private, corporate, and educational node; there are currently no scheduled commercial airline services at this field. For most visitors, the primary commercial 'connection' to the region is made by flying into Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located on the opposite side of the city. If you are flying privately into ECV, the airport is exceptionally convenient, located just 8 kilometers (approx. 15 minutes) from the Madrid city center.
Ground transportation is well-facilitated by public transit; the Cuatro Vientos Metro station (Line 10) and Cercanรญas rail station are a 15 to 20-minute walk from the terminal entrance, providing a direct link to hubs like Prรญncipe Pรญo and Plaza de Espaรฑa. For a more direct connection, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Cabify are readily available. A unique connection tip for aviation enthusiasts is the proximity to the Museo de Aeronรกutica y Astronรกutica (Air Museum), which is free to enter and located within the airport perimeter (closed on Mondays).
The terminal features a professional pilot's lounge and a popular restaurant overlooking the runway. Because the airport is home to several major flight schools, pilots should be particularly mindful of high-volume student training traffic and strictly follow noise abatement procedures over the surrounding residential areas. Lastly, the airport is strictly for daytime VFR operations, so stay mindful of sunset times when planning your arrival.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lanzarote Airport (ACE), officially Cรฉsar Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, serves as the sole and primary international airport for the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is a bustling facility, handling over 7 million passengers annually, primarily catering to the vibrant tourism sector from across Europe, particularly the UK and Germany. The airport operates with two adjacent terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), which are easily walkable between, approximately 80 meters apart, with a connecting ramp in the parking area.
Terminal 1 is the main and larger terminal, dedicated to all domestic flights from mainland Spain and international flights. It features a modern design with amenities including several eateries, shops, and duty-free options. The ground floor accommodates baggage claim and arrivals, while check-in desks and security are located on the first floor. Terminal 2 is smaller and primarily handles inter-island flights within the Canary Islands, with airlines like Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operating from here. T2 offers a cafe and limited facilities.
Throughout both terminals, passengers can expect essential services such as information desks, ATMs, currency exchange, and dedicated assistance for passengers with special needs. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi and power outlets for device charging, ensuring a comfortable wait. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Sala Guacimeta lounge in Terminal 1, airside after security, is available for a fee, offering a serene environment and additional amenities.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Cรฉsar Manrique-Lanzarote Airport involves navigating the Canary Islands' fourth-busiest aviation hub handling over 8 million passengers annually from its strategic position in San Bartolomรฉ, 5 kilometers southwest of Arrecife, where 35 airlines operate 81 destinations with Ryanair dominating operations through direct flights to 33 cities including Madrid, Dublin, London, Manchester, and Seville. The dual-terminal configuration separates Terminal 1's 6-million capacity facility handling all international and mainland Spanish flights from Terminal 2's dedicated inter-island operations primarily served by Binter Canarias with 135 weekly flights to Gran Canaria, Tenerife Norte, and other Canarian destinations alongside Canaryfly's regional network.
Domestic connections provide comprehensive coverage with 14 Spanish airports offering direct flights including Iberia and Air Europa services to Madrid (2.5 hours), Vueling to Barcelona, and extensive inter-island connectivity through Binter Canarias serving Las Palmas (40 minutes), Tenerife (1 hour), and La Palma. European connections span the continent with easyJet operating from 13 cities, Jet2 serving 12 UK destinations, TUI fly covering Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Nordic countries, while British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair, and SAS provide additional northern European connectivity supporting Lanzarote's year-round tourism economy.
Ground transportation coordination includes IntercityBus Lanzarote routes 22 and 23 connecting to Arrecife for approximately โฌ1.50 within 15-20 minutes, while route 161 serves the popular Puerto del Carmen resort area directly. The terminals are connected via an 80-meter covered walkway through the parking area enabling easy transfers, while car rental agencies dominate ground transport options given Lanzarote's compact size and attractions including Timanfaya National Park requiring vehicle access. Weather considerations are minimal with Lanzarote's subtropical climate providing 300+ days of sunshine annually, though occasional calima dust storms from the Sahara can affect visibility and flight operations, while the airport's namesake Cรฉsar Manrique's artistic influence permeates the terminal design including his iconic Lanzarote mural celebrating this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island's unique volcanic landscape and cultural heritage.
โ Back to Cuatro Vientos Airport