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 Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.

Score comparison

Metric Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Milan Malpensa Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.9 7.5
On-Time Performance 7.7 7.3
Passenger Experience 7.8 7.4
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.8
Lounge Score 8.3 7.6
City Madrid Milan
Country Spain Italy
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T4) 2 terminals (T1, T2)
Annual passengers 60M+ 28M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy MAD — Adolfo MXP — Milan
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.

Milan, Italy · MXP · #2 in this comparison

Milan Malpensa Airport

2 terminals (T1, T2) · 28M+ passengers/year

7.5 / 10

How good is Milan Malpensa Airport?

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Milan MXP scores 7.5/10 — northern Italy hub. Malpensa Express ~50 min to city. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-italy-2026 and /guides/milan-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.5 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.6 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
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.6/10

Highlights

  • Gateway to Milan, Lake Como, and Dolomites ski resorts in winter
  • Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale ~50 min — reliable rail link
  • ITA Airways T1 lounge; easyJet base for UK low-cost
  • Compare Rome (/airports/rome) for central and southern Italy

Overview

Northern Italy's primary hub — ITA Airways and easyJet base with UK routes from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester for Milan, Lakes, and ski transfers.

Northern Italy routing

MXP suits Lombardy, Piedmont, and Swiss border transfers. Bergamo (BGY) is Ryanair's Milan airport — cheaper but 50 km from city centre.

Winter ski season (Dec–Mar) sees heavy UK package traffic — book parking and lounge early.

FAQ

Which is better, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher overall at 7.9/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.

Which has better lounges, MAD or MXP?

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Milan Malpensa Airport at 7.6/10.

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

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) has stronger on-time performance at 7.7/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.3/10.