A new budget airline, Fly2Galicia, is set to launch at the end of 2026, offering flights across Europe with fares starting as low as €41 (£35). The airline will introduce routes from Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport to eight destinations, including Alicante, Granada, and Zaragoza in Spain, as well as Venice, Milan, Prague, Munich, and Brussels. The inaugural flights are scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.
The launch coincides with the upcoming 2027 Holy Year, a period expected to draw a significant number of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela to complete the Camino de Santiago. Last year, the Camino de Santiago Pilgrims Office recorded over 530,000 pilgrims, a record high and a 6% increase from 2024.
Fly2Galicia stated its mission is "to improve air connectivity in Galicia through direct flights from Santiago de Compostela to strategic European destinations, with competitive fares and a friendly and reliable service." This initiative aims to enhance travel options for both pilgrims and tourists visiting the region.
Santiago de Compostela, known as the spiritual heart of Galicia, is a UNESCO-listed city famous for its cobbled streets, ornate buildings, and historic monasteries. The city's main attraction is the magnificent Catedral de Santiago, believed to house the remains of Saint James, which serves as the final destination for many Camino pilgrims.
Other airlines have also expanded their services to Santiago de Compostela. Aer Lingus launched flights from Cork in June of this year. Additionally, Wizz Air is scheduled to introduce new routes from Valencia, Madrid, Bilbao, and Zaragoza in Spain to Santiago de Compostela later in 2026.