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

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher overall at 7.9/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.6/10.

Score comparison

Metric Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Athens International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.9 7.6
On-Time Performance 7.7 7.4
Passenger Experience 7.8 7.5
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.9
Lounge Score 8.3 7.8
City Madrid Athens
Country Spain Greece
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T4) 1 terminal (main + satellite)
Annual passengers 60M+ 28M+

Operational comparison

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

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

Detailed profiles

Madrid, Spain · MAD · #1 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.

Athens, Greece · ATH · #2 in this comparison

Athens International Airport

1 terminal (main + satellite) · 28M+ passengers/year

7.6 / 10

How good is Athens International Airport?

Athens International Airport (ATH) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4), passenger experience (7.5), and facilities (7.9). Lounge quality rates 7.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Athens ATH scores 7.6/10 — Greece's main hub. Metro to city ~40 min. Aegean Star Alliance gateway for island connections. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-portugal-greece-2026 and /guides/athens-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.6 Very Good
On-time 7.4 Departure reliability
Experience 7.5 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.8 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
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.5
Facilities & Comfort
7.9
Lounge score 7.8/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Athens and mainland Greece — ferry connections to islands from Piraeus
  • Aegean Airlines hub — Star Alliance connections to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (domestic)
  • Metro Line 3 to Syntagma ~40 min — reliable city access
  • Aegean Business Lounge and Goldair lounge — Priority Pass accepted

Overview

Greece's primary hub — Aegean/Star Alliance gateway with dense UK schedule on BA, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and Aegean for mainland and island connections.

Islands and UK routing

Many UK travellers fly to ATH then connect domestically to Santorini (JTR) or Crete (HER) on Aegean or Ryanair — allow 2+ hours for international-to-domestic connections.

Direct UK–island seasonal routes exist on Jet2 and TUI in summer — compare total time vs ATH connection.

FAQ

Which is better, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport or Athens International Airport?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher overall at 7.9/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.6/10.

Which has better lounges, MAD or ATH?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Athens International Airport at 7.8/10.

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

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) has stronger on-time performance at 7.7/10 versus Athens International Airport (ATH) at 7.4/10.