FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.6 7.9
On-Time Performance 8.4 7.7
Passenger Experience 8.5 7.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.9 8.2
Lounge Score 8.7 8.3
City Amsterdam Madrid
Country Netherlands Spain
Terminals 1 terminal (single-roof design) 4 terminals (T1–T4)
Annual passengers 72M+ 60M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy AMS — Amsterdam MAD — Adolfo
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Amsterdam, Netherlands · AMS · #1 in this comparison

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

1 terminal (single-roof design) · 72M+ passengers/year

8.6 / 10

How good is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores 8.6/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.4), passenger experience (8.5), and facilities (8.9). Lounge quality rates 8.7/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is rated 8.6/10 on FlightLogic — one of Europe's highest-scoring hubs. Single-terminal layout, lounge score 8.7/10, and efficient Schengen transfers. KLM Crown Lounge serves business and SkyTeam elites. See /guides/ams-schiphol-lounge-guide-2026 and /reviews/klm-crown-lounge-ams-review.

FlightLogic Score 8.6 Excellent
On-time 8.4 Departure reliability
Experience 8.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.7 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.4
Passenger Experience
8.5
Facilities & Comfort
8.9
Lounge score 8.7/10

Highlights

  • Single-terminal design simplifies connections — most gates are reachable airside within 15–25 minutes
  • KLM Crown Lounge and Aspire lounges for business and elite passengers
  • Rijksmuseum annex and library in the terminal — unique cultural amenities
  • Among Europe's best connection hubs for UK travellers routing to Africa, Asia, and the Americas via KLM/Delta

Overview

KLM and SkyTeam hub with a single-terminal design, excellent Schengen connections, and the Crown Lounge for premium passengers.

Single-terminal efficiency

Unlike Heathrow or JFK, Schiphol uses one terminal building with pier-based gates — connections rarely require changing buildings, though long walks between distant piers are common on short connections.

The KLM Crown Lounge near the D/E pier intersection is the flagship premium space for SkyTeam business passengers and elites.

Madrid, Spain · MAD · #2 in this comparison

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

4 terminals (T1–T4) · 60M+ passengers/year

7.9 / 10

How good is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores 7.9/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.7), passenger experience (7.8), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.3/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Madrid Barajas MAD scores 7.9/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.3/10. Iberia operates from Terminal 4/4S with Dali VIP Lounge for premium passengers. Key hub for UK–Latin America connections. See /guides/madrid-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.9 Very Good
On-time 7.7 Departure reliability
Experience 7.8 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.3 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.7
Passenger Experience
7.8
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.3/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 4 and 4S serve Iberia and oneworld long-haul — automated train links satellite
  • Iberia Dali VIP Lounge and oneworld premium lounges in T4S
  • Primary European hub for UK–Latin America routings via Iberia and BA codeshares
  • Schengen and non-Schengen connections may require immigration — allow 90+ minutes

Overview

Iberia and oneworld hub — Terminal 4S satellite for long-haul with Dali-themed architecture and strong premium lounges for Latin America connections.

Terminal 4 and Iberia lounges

Terminal 4S satellite handles most long-haul intercontinental departures. Iberia Dali VIP Lounge serves business and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire on international flights.

BA and Iberia codeshare extensively — Avios redemptions on Iberia metal from London often route via MAD for Latin America.

FAQ

Which is better, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher overall at 8.6/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Which has better lounges, AMS or MAD?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) scores higher for lounges at 8.7/10, versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 8.3/10.

Which airport is more on-time, AMS or MAD?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) has stronger on-time performance at 8.4/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.7/10.