FlightLogic

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.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

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

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher overall at 8.7/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric Zurich Airport Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.7 7.9
On-Time Performance 8.8 7.7
Passenger Experience 8.7 7.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.8 8.2
Lounge Score 8.9 8.3
City Zurich Madrid
Country Switzerland Spain
Terminals 1 terminal (single-roof design) 4 terminals (T1–T4)
Annual passengers 28M+ 60M+

Operational comparison

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

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

Detailed profiles

Zurich, Switzerland · ZRH · #1 in this comparison

Zurich Airport

1 terminal (single-roof design) · 28M+ passengers/year

8.7 / 10

How good is Zurich Airport?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.8), passenger experience (8.7), and facilities (8.8). Lounge quality rates 8.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Zurich ZRH is rated 8.7/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.9/10. SWISS Senator lounges serve Star Alliance business and Gold. Single-terminal design makes connections fast. Train to Zurich city in 10 minutes. See /guides/zurich-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 8.7 Excellent
On-time 8.8 Departure reliability
Experience 8.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.9 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
8.8
Passenger Experience
8.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.8
Lounge score 8.9/10

Highlights

  • Single-terminal layout simplifies Schengen and intercontinental connections within 20–30 minutes airside
  • SWISS Senator and Business lounges with Swiss dining and chocolate stations
  • On-time score 8.8/10 — among Europe's most reliable hubs
  • Efficient rail link to Zurich HB in 10 minutes — ideal for business trips

Overview

SWISS and Star Alliance hub — among Europe's highest on-time scores, compact single-terminal design, and excellent Senator lounges.

SWISS lounges and single-terminal efficiency

SWISS operates Senator and Business lounges airside with Swiss buffet dining, Rösti stations, and premium chocolate. Star Alliance Gold access on international departures.

The airport's compact design means most gates are reachable within 15 minutes — compare favourably with Frankfurt or CDG for tight connections.

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, Zurich Airport or Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher overall at 8.7/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.9/10.

Which has better lounges, ZRH or MAD?

Zurich Airport (ZRH) scores higher for lounges at 8.9/10, versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 8.3/10.

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

Zurich Airport (ZRH) has stronger on-time performance at 8.8/10 versus Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) at 7.7/10.