British Airways Launches £2 Flights to Madrid Amidst Regional Travel Disruptions
London, 17 February 2026 – British Airways has sparked a surge in travel interest by releasing “Avios-Only” flight seats to Madrid for the summer 2026 season, with cash components starting as low as £2. This promotional release comes during a week of significant operational challenges in Spanish airspace, including emergency diversions and severe weather conditions caused by Storm Marta.
British Airways Unveils £2 Summer Fares
In a move to reward frequent flyers, British Airways has designated specific flights to Madrid as “Avios-Only” routes. On these select services, 100% of the cabin seats are reserved for passengers booking with reward points. While summer fares are typically at a premium, these seats allow travellers to pay a minimal cash fee of £2 plus their accumulated Avios. The initiative aims to provide affordable access to the Spanish capital during the peak 2026 holiday window.
Emergency Diversion and Weather Alerts
The Madrid-Barajas hub has seen increased activity following a series of incidents over the last 72 hours. On 14 February 2026, Ryanair flight FR9448, travelling from Malaga to Newquay, was forced to make an emergency landing in Madrid due to technical issues. Reports from passengers indicated the aircraft was required to burn off excess fuel before landing safely. Furthermore, Storm Marta continues to impact the region, leading to several flight diversions and the closure of over 100 roads across Spain.
Madrid-Barajas Airport: Key Infrastructure
As the primary gateway to Spain, Madrid-Barajas (MAD) remains one of Europe’s most significant aviation hubs. The airport is noted for its architectural scale, particularly Terminal 4, which was designed to compete with major hubs like London Heathrow.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Terminals | T1, T2, T3 (SkyTeam/Star Alliance) and T4 (Iberia/Oneworld) |
| Terminal 4 Layout | Consists of two main buildings: T4 and the T4S satellite |
| Runways | Four runways (configured as two parallel pairs) |
| T4 Capacity | 1.2km pier with 40 contact gates and 174 check-in desks |
| Major Carriers | Iberia, Air Nostrum, British Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Avios-Only” flights?
These are specific flight rotations where British Airways makes every single seat on the aircraft available as a reward seat. This allows passengers to book using Avios points, often resulting in a very low cash payment, such as the £2 fares currently advertised for Madrid in 2026.
Which terminal does Iberia use at Madrid-Barajas?
Iberia and its franchise partner, Air Nostrum, operate primarily out of Terminal 4 (T4). This terminal is the largest in Spain and is designed for both domestic and international Schengen flights.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Madrid?
Yes, direct services are frequently operated from various UK airports, including London Heathrow, London City, and Liverpool. Airlines serving these routes include British Airways, Iberia, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
How has Storm Marta affected travel?
As of mid-February 2026, Storm Marta has caused significant disruption across Spain, leading to the diversion of commercial flights and widespread road closures. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.