Madrid (Torrejon)

• Official Airport Website: www.aena.es
• Information Service Phone: +34 913 21 10 00 (General Aena information centre) or +34 916 27 52 09 (Airport administration)
• Airport Address: Carretera de la Base, Km 0,8, 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, España
• Airport Social Media: Official Aena network accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X) — @aena
• Lost Luggage Information: In the business aviation terminal, lost property issues are resolved individually. It is recommended to contact your handling agent (FBO) or flight operator directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: +34 913 21 10 00 (24-hour Aena hotline)

Since Torrejón Airport is oriented primarily towards business and private aviation, transport logistics here differ from the usual large hubs. Getting here from the centre of Madrid is quite simple, however, it is worth noting that there are fewer direct public transport routes to the business aviation terminal compared to neighbouring Barajas.

Taxi and Private Transfer

This is the most convenient and common method for private flight passengers. A taxi ride from the centre of Madrid (for example, from Puerta del Sol) will take about 20–30 minutes if there is no traffic. Unlike Barajas Airport, where a fixed fare applies, the cost of a trip to Torrejón is usually calculated by the meter and is approximately 30–45 Euros.

Popular taxi apps (Uber, Cabify, Free Now) also work excellently in Madrid. For maximum comfort, it is recommended to book a transfer in advance through your handling agent or flight operator — the driver will meet you in the city and deliver you directly to the FBO terminal.

Car Rental and Parking

If you prefer personal transport, the airport is easily accessible via the A-2 highway (Autovía del Nordeste), following the signs for Torrejón de Ardoz. The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the town, so navigation here is intuitive.

Parking: The business aviation terminal has its own secure parking lot for passengers. Usually, spaces are provided free of charge or are included in the flight service package, but it is better to clarify this point in advance. Here, your vehicle will be completely safe under round-the-clock surveillance.

Public Transport

Although this option is rarely used by business aviation clients, one can reach the airport area on a budget. It is important to remember: public transport will take you to the town of Torrejón de Ardoz, from where you will need to take a taxi to the airport checkpoint or terminal (the trip will take about 5–10 minutes).

• Train (Cercanías): The fastest way. Lines C-2 and C-7 depart from Atocha and Chamartín stations. You need to get off at Torrejón de Ardoz station. Travel time is about 30–40 minutes, ticket cost is about 3-4 Euros.
• Bus: Intercity buses (green colour) depart from the Avenida de América transport hub in Madrid. Routes 223, 224 and 226 go to Torrejón de Ardoz. Travel time is about 40 minutes.

Other Airports in the Region

If your flight is diverted or you are planning a complex route through Spain, it is useful to know about other nearby air harbours. The country's main international hub, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, is just 10-15 km from Torrejón.

For travel to other regions, you can consider Valladolid Airport in the northwest or Zaragoza Airport to the east. If you are heading to the north of the country, a convenient option would be Vitoria Airport, and for trips to the Mediterranean coast, Valencia Airport is suitable.

The structure of Torrejón Airport (TOJ) differs radically from the usual giant commercial aviation hubs. Since the airport combines the functions of a military base and a business aviation centre, you will not find a confusing system of gates, long travelators, or crowded Duty Free zones here. The entire space is organised for maximum privacy and speed of passenger service.

Terminals and Their Purpose

In fact, a single sector functions here for civilians — the General Aviation Terminal. It is not divided into the usual zones A, B, or C. Service is provided through specialised operators (FBOs), which offer their own VIP lounges and hangars. All infrastructure is concentrated in the southern part of the airfield, separated from military facilities located on the opposite side.

Departure and Arrival Zones

There is no classic separation into departure and arrival floors here. All service takes place on one level, often within one small but luxurious building.

• Departure Zone: Represents a comfortable lounge with soft furniture, Wi-Fi access, and catering. Passengers wait for departure not at a boarding gate, but in a personal relaxation zone, from where a transfer takes them directly to the aircraft steps.
• Arrival Zone: The arrival process is simplified to the maximum. Passport control (if the flight is international) is conducted at a separate counter without queues, and luggage is delivered from the board directly to the exit or transfer vehicle in a few minutes.

Map and Navigation

Navigation in Torrejón is intuitively clear, as passengers practically do not have to move around on their own. A key feature of the airport is personal escort. From the moment of arrival on the territory until boarding the plane, you will be accompanied by a handling company employee or agent. It is impossible to get "lost" here: the route from the terminal entrance door to the aircraft seat is only a few dozen metres.

Procedure Times

The main value of Torrejón is saving time. Thanks to the absence of regular commercial flights, procedures take place with lightning speed:

• Check-in and Luggage Drop-off: Takes 5–10 minutes.
• Pre-flight Screening: Equipment meets the strictest security standards (considering the military status of the facility), but due to the lack of queues, screening is instantaneous.
• Recommended Arrival Time: Unlike standard airports where you need to be 2–3 hours early, at Torrejón it is sufficient to arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Navigation Recommendations for Passengers

When planning a departure via Torrejón, it is important to inform your taxi or transfer driver of the exact name of your receiving terminal (FBO) or flight number in advance, as entrances may differ slightly. Remember that walking freely on the airfield is strictly prohibited: movement between the terminal and the aircraft is carried out exclusively by special transport accompanied by staff.

The history of Torrejón Airport differs radically from the biography of most civilian air harbours in Europe. Its chronicle began at the height of the Cold War, when the Madrid Pacts were signed between Spain and the USA in 1955. Initially, the facility was conceived exclusively as a strategic airbase intended to strengthen the defence of Western Europe. Construction proceeded at a rapid pace, and on 1 June 1957, the base officially began operations, becoming home to the 16th Air Force of the USAF.

For almost forty years, Torrejón was a kind of "American enclave" on Spanish soil. A full-fledged military town was built here with schools, a hospital, and shops, which locals called "Little America". During this period, one of the most significant events in the early history of the airfield occurred — the visit of US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1959, who was greeted by hundreds of thousands of people in Madrid.

An important milestone in development was the massive reconstruction of the runway. To accommodate heavy strategic bombers and transport aircraft, the runway was extended to an impressive 4,267 metres. This made it one of the longest in Europe, which remains a technological advantage of the airport to this day, allowing it to accept aircraft of any type and weight without restrictions.

The turning point came in 1992, when, after a review of defence agreements, the main USAF forces left the base, handing over control to the Spanish Ministry of Defence. From that moment, a gradual transition to the dual-use of the facility began. In the mid-1990s, a decision was made to use the unique infrastructure to relieve the main capital airport, Barajas, by opening a sector for civil aviation.

The modern stage of Torrejón's history is connected with reorientation towards the elite segment. In 2013, management of the civilian sector passed to the Aena structure, which carried out modernisation of the terminals, adapting them to high business aviation standards. Today, the airport is known not only as a military base but also as the main VIP gateway to Madrid.

Interesting Facts from History:

• Thanks to its unique runway and strategic location, Torrejón was for a long time on the list of NASA emergency landing sites for Space Shuttles in case of flight abortion over the Atlantic.
• It was here that planes with legendary musicians and heads of state landed, wishing to avoid the publicity of Madrid's main airport.
• In the past, the base had its own radio station and TV channel for American personnel, which had a cultural influence on the nearby Spanish districts.

Services and amenities at Torrejón Airport (TOJ) have their own specifics, dictated by its status as a business aviation centre. Here you will not find noisy shopping galleries or overcrowded food courts typical of ordinary passenger terminals. All infrastructure is oriented towards an individual approach, maximum privacy, and satisfying the requests of discerning clients.

Restaurants, Cafes and Shops

There is no classic Duty Free zone or chain restaurants in the terminal. Passenger service is built on an "all-inclusive" principle within the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) service:

• Dining: In VIP lounges, guests are offered light snacks, pastries, refreshments, hot drinks, as well as premium beverages. For a full meal on board, restaurant catering can be ordered — dishes will be delivered from the best restaurants in Madrid directly to the aircraft.
• Shopping: Goods for the journey can only be purchased upon prior request through the concierge service. Fresh newspapers and magazines are usually provided in the waiting hall free of charge.

Lounges and VIP Service

At Torrejón Airport, the concept of a "waiting hall" is equivalent to a VIP lounge. The entire business aviation terminal is designed as a comfortable space for relaxation before departure.

• Interior: Lounges are equipped with soft designer furniture, stylish lighting, and zones for private conversations.
• Staff: An agent is assigned to each flight to resolve any issues — from paperwork to serving coffee.
• Fast Track: Passport and customs control often take place directly in the VIP zone or in a separate office, which eliminates crossing paths with other passengers.

Wi-Fi and Business Services

Since a significant portion of Torrejón's passengers are business people, work capabilities are implemented here at a high level:

• Connectivity: High-speed free Wi-Fi operates throughout the terminal. Convenient spots with sockets and USB ports for charging gadgets are also provided.
• Conference Rooms: FBO operators provide meeting rooms equipped with video conferencing and presentation technology. This allows for meetings with partners immediately after arrival without going into the city.

Financial and Medical Services

• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no ATMs or currency exchange points in the terminal. It is recommended to have the necessary amount of cash with you or use bank cards. Payment for airport services is usually made by the receiving company or crew.
• Medical: Given the military aviation base, the airport is equipped with everything necessary for emergency assistance. In case of illness, staff will immediately call medics or organise a transfer to the nearest clinic.

Passengers with Children

There are no specialised playgrounds or mother-and-child rooms in the terminal, however, the atmosphere of privacy makes staying with children comfortable. There is enough space in the VIP lounges for a child to rest on a sofa. Staff are always ready to help with warming up baby food or providing hot water.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

A barrier-free environment in business aviation is ensured not so much by ramps as by personal assistance. Airport staff meet passengers with reduced mobility at the car, help complete all formalities, and deliver them to the board using an ambulift or special transport. Appropriate sanitary rooms are equipped in the terminal.

Hotels Near the Airport

There are no hotels for civilians directly on the airport territory. However, the convenient location near the town of Torrejón de Ardoz and the A-2 highway opens access to many accommodation options:

• In Torrejón de Ardoz: Just a 5-10 minute taxi ride away are comfortable hotels such as Hotel Aida or Asset Torrejón. This is a convenient option for those who need to spend the night before an early departure.
• Closer to Barajas Airport: A 15-minute drive away is a huge cluster of international chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Ibis) serving Madrid's main airport.
• In Central Madrid: Thanks to transfers, the capital's best five-star hotels can be reached in half an hour.

The gastronomic component at Torrejón Airport (TOJ) is completely subordinate to the business aviation format. Here you will not find the usual food courts, chain coffee shops, or fast-food restaurants typical of civilian terminals. The dining system is organised to ensure maximum comfort and privacy for passengers waiting for departure in VIP lounges.

Dining in the Terminal (FBO)

Instead of classic restaurants, passenger service takes place directly in the FBO operator waiting halls. These are private zones accessible only to clients of a specific flight and their guests.

• Assortment: Guests are usually offered a buffet format with light snacks (sandwiches, canapés, tapas), fresh pastries, fruits, and desserts. A wide selection of hot drinks, juices, water, as well as premium beverage brands is always available.
• Cost: In most cases, basic food and drinks in the lounge are already included in the flight service cost and provided to passengers free of charge.
• Opening Hours: Relaxation zones operate in strict accordance with the flight schedule, opening for the arrival of the first passenger and closing after the departure of the last flight.

On-board Catering Order

A full lunch or dinner for Torrejón passengers is organised primarily on board the aircraft. Since private aviation clients have high requirements, catering is ordered individually from the best restaurants in Madrid.

• Local Delicacies: Being in Spain, it is worth ordering an assortment of Iberian cured meats, the famous Jamón Ibérico, and a platter of aged cheeses (for example, Manchego). Light Mediterranean salads and local beverages are also popular.
• Special Menu: There are practically no restrictions on choice. You can order dishes from any cuisine in the world.

Dietary Catering

Thanks to a personalised approach, it is easy to observe any dietary requirements at Torrejón. Whether it is a vegetarian, vegan, Halal, Kosher, or gluten-free menu — all this is available but requires a preliminary order through your broker or flight operator (preferably 24 hours before departure). In the lounges themselves, the choice of specialised dietary snacks may be limited to fresh fruits and nuts.

Where can escorts and crews eat?

If you have time before departure or are seeing off passengers but do not have access to the VIP zone, consider establishments outside the airport perimeter. Since the terminal does not have a publicly accessible "clean" zone with cafes, the nearest restaurants are in the town of Torrejón de Ardoz (5–10 minutes by taxi).

• Quick Bite: In the immediate vicinity of the airport, along the A-2 highway and in the Parque Corredor shopping centre, there are numerous cafes and bistros.
• Full Lunch: In the centre of Torrejón de Ardoz, you can find traditional Spanish restaurants (asadors) serving excellent grilled meat and seafood. The average bill will be 20–40 Euros per person.

Recommendation: If you are flying through Torrejón, do not plan a heavy meal directly in the airport building before departure — the terminal infrastructure is designed more for a cup of coffee and a light aperitif. For gastronomic pleasure, it is better to use the service of ordering dishes from your favourite restaurant directly to the aircraft steps.

Travelling through Torrejón Airport differs radically from the experience in ordinary commercial aviation hubs. Since this is a business aviation terminal, its own unspoken rules and privileges apply here. Here are some useful tips to help make your departure or arrival flawless.

Recommendations on Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours early". The main advantage of business aviation is saving time. It is recommended to arrive at Torrejón 20–30 minutes before the agreed departure time. This is enough to pass security checks, have a coffee in the lounge, and board the transfer to the plane. However, one should not be late: your flight has an agreed "slot" for departure, and losing it can lead to a delay due to the tight schedule in the skies over Madrid.

Check-in and Security Features

Procedures here take place in a private setting. You do not need to look for a check-in counter — FBO (terminal) staff will meet you at the entrance and take your luggage.

• Documents: Keep passports handy. Staff may request them immediately upon arrival to check against the flight manifest.
• Screening: Despite the VIP status, security measures are strict, as the airport is located on the territory of a military base. Screening is fast, without queues, but metal detector frames and scanners are mandatory for everyone.

What is Allowed and Prohibited in Hand Luggage

Luggage rules in business aviation are much more lenient than on regular flights.

• Liquids: The limit on containers up to 100 ml is often not applied here (depending on the rules of the specific operator and destination), so you can bring your favourite drink or cosmetics on board.
• Pets: Torrejón is a pet-friendly airport. Dogs and cats can usually stay in the aircraft cabin with their owners without cages, if permitted by the aircraft owner.
• Prohibitions: It is strictly forbidden to bring any weapons (even souvenirs), explosives, and narcotics onto the base territory. Military police take this extremely seriously.

Tips on Seat Selection

On private flights, the concept of a boarding pass with a seat number is absent. Seating in the cabin is usually free. If you are flying with partners or family, simply occupy the most comfortable seat. If the flight is corporate (shuttle), seats may be allocated in advance; it is better to clarify this point with the trip organiser.

For Passengers with Connections

Torrejón is not designed for domestic connections. If you have a planned transfer to a regular flight from Madrid, consider the logistics:

• The nearest major airport is Barajas (MAD). Transfer between Torrejón and Barajas by car takes about 15–20 minutes.
• Allow a minimum of 2.5–3 hours between the arrival of a private jet and the departure of a regular flight to have time to collect luggage, drive to the other airport, and go through standard check-in procedures there.

Customs Control and Tax Free

Customs officers at Torrejón work as discreetly as possible. Often officers approach passengers in the lounge themselves. If you are carrying large sums of cash (over 10,000 Euros) or valuable items subject to declaration, inform your agent about this in advance — they will prepare the forms so as not to delay you at the exit.

Note: Processing tax refunds (Tax Free) in the business aviation terminal is possible, but the procedure may take more time than usual, as a customs officer sometimes needs to be called specially. Warn about this wish in advance.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Transfer: Do not rely on a random taxi at the base gates — they simply aren't there. Book a car in advance through your broker or apps. This will save you nerves and time.
• Catering: If you want to save the trip budget, limit yourself to standard lounge catering (snacks and drinks) rather than ordering complex restaurant catering for a short flight, as the markup for delivery to the steps can be substantial.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays in business aviation happen rarely and are most often related to weather conditions or dispatcher restrictions (slots). In such a situation, relax in the VIP lounge. There is high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable sofas, and drinks. Staff will inform you about the departure status every 10–15 minutes. The main advantage: the plane will not leave without you, so the stress typical of ordinary airports is excluded here.