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 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.9 7.4
On-Time Performance 7.7 7.2
Passenger Experience 7.8 7.3
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.8
Lounge Score 8.3 8.2
City Madrid Paris
Country Spain France
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T4) 3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3)
Annual passengers 60M+ 67M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy MAD — Adolfo CDG — Paris
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.

Paris, France · CDG · #2 in this comparison

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2A–2G, T3) · 67M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.2/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Paris CDG is rated 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.2/10. Air France dominates Terminal 2 with extensive Business and La Première lounges. Schengen and non-Schengen transfers may require immigration — allow 90+ minutes for connections. UK261 does not apply; EU261 may apply on EU departures.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.2 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
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.2/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 is the main hub — sub-terminals 2E/2F for long-haul, 2G for Schengen regional
  • Air France La Première and Business lounges among Europe's largest airline clubs
  • CDGVAL automated train links T1, T2, and T3 landside — not all T2 sub-terminals connect airside
  • Common UK connection point for Africa, Indian Ocean, and French overseas territories

Overview

Air France and SkyTeam mega-hub — sprawling terminal 2 complex with strong premium lounges but connection walks can be long.

Terminal 2 and Air France lounges

Air France operates multiple lounges across Terminal 2E and 2F — the Business lounge near Hall L in 2E is the main long-haul hub. La Première has a private salon for first class passengers.

SkyTeam elite and business class passengers access AF lounges on qualifying itineraries. Priority Pass options exist but are limited compared to airline clubs.

FAQ

Which is better, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher overall at 7.9/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.4/10.

Which has better lounges, MAD or CDG?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 8.2/10.

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

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) has stronger on-time performance at 7.7/10 versus Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7.2/10.