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

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.1 7.9
On-Time Performance 8.0 7.7
Passenger Experience 8.1 7.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 8.2
Lounge Score 8.6 8.3
City Melbourne Madrid
Country Australia Spain
Terminals 4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) 4 terminals (T1–T4)
Annual passengers 37M+ 60M+

Operational comparison

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

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

Detailed profiles

Melbourne, Australia · MEL · #1 in this comparison

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) · 37M+ passengers/year

8.1 / 10

How good is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.0), passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Melbourne MEL scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. Qantas Business Lounge in Terminal 2 international is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/melbourne-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review for Qantas ground product.

FlightLogic Score 8.1 Excellent
On-time 8.0 Departure reliability
Experience 8.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.6 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
8.0
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.6/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 international serves Qantas, Emirates, and oneworld partners
  • Qantas Business Lounge with Neil Perry-influenced dining — companion to Sydney First Lounge review
  • UK–Melbourne direct on Qantas and BA; common one-stop via Singapore or Doha
  • SkyBus to Melbourne CBD in 30–45 minutes

Overview

Australia's second international gateway — Qantas Business and First lounges in Terminal 2 international, strong oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings.

Terminal 2 international and Qantas lounges

Terminal 2 handles international departures for Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and oneworld partners. Qantas Business Lounge offers buffet and à la carte dining with Australian produce.

Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T2→T1/T3/T4) with re-security — plan 90+ minutes for domestic connections after international arrival.

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, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Which has better lounges, MEL or MAD?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 8.3/10.

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

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) has stronger on-time performance at 8.0/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.7/10.