La Palma Airport (SPC/GCLA): Your Essential Gateway to the ‘Isla Bonita’
La Palma Airport (SPC/GCLA) stands as the primary aviation hub for La Palma, one of Spain’s stunning Canary Islands, famously nicknamed the ‘Isla Bonita’ (The Beautiful Island). Located strategically just 8 km south of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, the airport is crucial for connecting the island’s unique ecosystem, including the spectacular Caldera de Taburiente National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), to the rest of the world. Operated by the Spanish airport authority Aena, SPC is recognized for its modern, efficient service and its vital role in supporting La Palma’s burgeoning tourism sector.
General Airport Information and Key Statistics
La Palma Airport is known for its excellent operational standards, ensuring a smooth travel experience for visitors arriving at this unique destination.
- IATA/ICAO Codes: SPC / GCLA
- Location: Situated in the municipalities of Breña Baja and Villa de Mazo, approximately 8 km south of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
- Coordinates: 28° 37′ 14” N, 17° 45′ 15” W
- Operator: Aena (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea)
- Elevation: 33m / 108 ft above mean sea level
- Passenger Volume: The airport has shown strong recovery, handling approximately 1.5 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as a key regional gateway.
Modern Terminal and Essential Passenger Services
La Palma Airport operates with a single, modern passenger terminal designed to efficiently manage both inter-island and international traffic. The facility prioritizes passenger comfort and accessibility.
- Amenities: Services include high-speed free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, a selection of cafés and snack bars, and duty-free shopping (available for non-EU travellers, with reduced tax for all passengers due to Canary Islands special status). The terminal also features family-friendly spaces and services.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully equipped to support passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), with accessible restrooms, elevators, and dedicated assistance services (available upon request through your airline).
- Currency & Payments: All transactions are conducted in Euros (EUR). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at shops and services.
- Lost Property: For inquiries regarding lost items, you can contact the official lost property office via phone at +34 913 211 000 or by email at
SPC-objetosperdidos@aena.es.
Airlines, Destinations, and Updated Route Network (2024/2025)
SPC Airport offers excellent connectivity, serving as a critical hub for inter-island travel and providing direct links to major cities in mainland Spain and Europe.
- Inter-island Specialists:Binter Canarias and CanaryFly dominate the crucial inter-island routes, offering frequent, reliable connections to:
- Tenerife–North (TFN)
- Tenerife–South (TFS)
- Gran Canaria (LPA)
- Lanzarote (ACE)
- Seasonal: Fuerteventura (FUE)
- Mainland Spain: Key domestic carriers like Iberia (via its regional partner Iberia Express), Air Europa, and Vueling provide year-round service to major Spanish metropolitan areas, including Madrid and Barcelona.
- Key European International Links: La Palma remains a highly attractive destination for European sun-seekers, with direct holiday routes operated by carriers like Condor, Smartwings (which recently added new services, e.g., weekly flights from Prague starting June 2024), and various charter airlines linking SPC to destinations in:
- Germany (e.g., Düsseldorf, Frankfurt)
- The United Kingdom
- Scandinavia
- The Netherlands
Transportation and Parking at SPC
Getting from La Palma Airport to Santa Cruz de La Palma or other island resorts is straightforward, with several efficient options available.
- Bus Service: A public bus service connects the airport directly to Santa Cruz de La Palma in approximately 20 minutes. The fare is highly affordable, usually around €2.7.
- Taxi: Taxis offer a fast and convenient option. The ride to Santa Cruz takes about 15 minutes, with a typical fare ranging from €15 to €20.
- Car Rental: Given the island’s mountainous terrain and scattered points of interest, renting a car is the most popular choice for tourists. On-site rental agencies include major international brands like Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, and Avis. Tip: Due to high demand, especially in peak season, pre-booking your rental car is strongly advised.
- Parking: The airport offers both short-term (P1) and long-term parking facilities, with competitive daily rates typically starting from around €5.
Contact Information
For official inquiries, flight information, or operational questions, please use the following contact details:
- Address: Apartado de Correos 195, E-38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma, SPAIN
- Aena General Phone: +34 902 404 704
- Official Website: www.aena.es