Air travel punctuality in Spain collapsed during the first half of 2026, with more than 24 million passengers affected by delays and cancellations, according to data from the claims platform AirHelp.
AirHelp's figures show punctuality fell to 63.3%, a sharp drop from the 79.1% recorded during the same period in 2025. The decline has created widespread uncertainty and stress for travelers, particularly during the peak summer season.
In Catalonia, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain's second-largest, has been one of the main flashpoints. The terminal handled more than 12 million passengers in the first six months of the year, with 36% of its flights hit by delays or cancellations.
Erika Josefsson, legal advisor at AirHelp, said that figure means one in three flights leaves with a delay or a cancellation.
Causes behind the decline
Josefsson said it is difficult to point to a single reason for the drop in punctuality, noting that usually several factors are involved. Among the contributing causes are adverse weather conditions, problems in air traffic control management, and strikes affecting airline operations.
The situation is especially difficult during holiday periods such as summer, when families set off on trips. Josefsson said it is very stressful for a passenger to arrive at the airport and find a delay or a cancellation without knowing what has happened, adding that airlines often provide scarce or imprecise information, which increases passengers' frustration.
When passengers are entitled to compensation
One of the most striking findings in the AirHelp report is that despite the rise in incidents, the number of passengers entitled to financial compensation has fallen. Josefsson said having more delays does not always mean every affected passenger is entitled to compensation.
Under European regulation, compensation can reach up to 600 euros, but specific requirements must be met. The basic grounds for compensation are a delay of more than three hours at the final destination, a flight cancellation notified less than 14 days in advance, or denied boarding due to overbooking.
An exception applies for what the industry calls extraordinary circumstances, situations outside the airline's control such as bad weather or strikes by third parties. Josefsson said the problem is that airlines often give a very vague or general justification to avoid taking responsibility, making it hard for passengers to know whether they have a valid claim.
How airlines compare
The report also examined the performance of Spain's main airlines. Vueling, which carried 10.5 million passengers, recorded better punctuality than larger carriers such as Iberia and Ryanair.
Ryanair, the largest airline operating in Spain with 16.8 million travelers in the first half of the year, runs a higher number of operations, which Josefsson said also means a greater likelihood of delays or cancellations. She added that the low-cost business model also shapes how these airlines operate, setting them apart from traditional carriers.
Platforms such as AirHelp offer advice and manage claims on behalf of passengers. Using artificial intelligence tools combined with a human team, AirHelp allows passengers to check in under two minutes whether they qualify for compensation. The platform handles the entire process, from contacting the airline to taking cases to court if necessary. Josefsson said it is a very easy process for the passenger, who does not need to worry about anything, and noted that the app can send real-time notifications on flight status.
What to do during a long delay
For travelers facing a delay of more than three hours, Josefsson offered practical advice. Passengers with a connecting flight should speak to the airline right away to find an alternative route to their final destination as soon as possible.
She said it is essential to keep all tickets and receipts for additional expenses such as food and drink so they can be claimed later. If the delay means an overnight stay, the airline must provide a hotel. Josefsson also stressed the importance of keeping all communication in writing whenever possible, so there is a record of it.
