Curiosities about Seville airport that you probably didn't know about

In this article, we bring you some curiosities about Seville Airport that you probably didn’t know. From its origins to its current records, including international connections with movie-worthy anecdotes.

Did you know that Seville Airport used to be a farmhouse?

Before becoming one of the most important airports in southern Spain, Seville Airport was, literally, an Andalusian farmhouse. The estate where the airport is located was known as "El Cortijo de San Pablo". In the 1920s, this rural area began hosting military aviation flights and later commercial ones.

The original farmhouse gradually gave way to hangars, runways, and over the years, passenger terminals. But if you look closely at some areas around the airport, you can still see traces of the site's agricultural past.

The airport's name, San Pablo, comes directly from this estate. It was made possible thanks to the generous donation of the land by Don Ildefonso Marañón Lavín, an influential businessman from Seville with Cantabrian and Cuban roots. This philanthropist, besides contributing the land for the airport, left his mark on the city with other initiatives such as founding the Red Cross Hospital in Capuchinos and participating in the Sevillian Electricity Company. The airport was officially inaugurated on July 11, 1933, marking a turning point in the city’s air connectivity.

Seville Airport was key in the history of Spanish aviation

Among airport curiosities in Spain, Seville’s stands out for its strategic importance during the development of national aviation. It was one of the first airfields in the country and played a fundamental role during the Civil War and the years that followed, functioning as a military air base and a link between southern Spain and North Africa.

Moreover, the airport served as a stopover for the first commercial flights between Europe and Latin America during the 1940s and 50s, when aircraft needed several stops to refuel. In other words, Seville was a small gateway to America in the mid-20th century.

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A design that blends tradition and modernity

One of Seville Airport's greatest curiosities is its architecture. The current terminal was inaugurated in 1992 for the Universal Exposition of Seville (Expo’92) and was designed by the architect Rafael Moneo. The idea was to reflect Andalusian essence in a modern infrastructure.

The design is inspired by three key elements: the Andalusian courtyard, the mosque, and the palace. This translates into smart use of natural light, semicircular arches, and spacious, well-ventilated areas. An airport that not only serves its practical function but also represents Seville's cultural identity.

Furthermore, with the recent expansion works carried out in the past few years, the terminal's capacity has increased by 42%, allowing it to accommodate a greater number of passengers more comfortably and efficiently.

Seville Airport is breaking records

Although historically it had more modest traffic compared to the major airports of Madrid or Barcelona, Seville Airport is currently experiencing a real boom. In recent years, it has broken several passenger and flight operation records, with a steady growth in both domestic and international routes.

In 2023, it surpassed 7 million passengers, marking a milestone in its history. Moreover, a major expansion is underway that will allow it to double its capacity in the coming years. This not only makes it more functional but also positions it as one of the fastest-growing airports in Spain.

Airport curiosities: what makes Seville’s airport unique?

Among the most surprising airport curiosities, there are details that make Seville Airport unique:

• It is one of the few airports in Spain where you can still frequently see military aircraft landing, as it shares airspace with Tablada Air Base.
• It has one of the longest runways in the country, ideal for receiving large aircraft.
• It has appeared in several film productions, both national and international, taking advantage of its clean and modern look. Some examples include scenes from the film "Nobody Knows Anybody" (1999), starring Eduardo Noriega, and international advertising productions that have used the airport as a location due to its modern and bright design.

Istanbul, Germany and more: international connections with a story

Another little-known aspect of Seville Airport is its history of international connections. Currently, it offers direct flights to diverse destinations such as Istanbul, Paris, Brussels, Rome, or Berlin. But interestingly, many of these routes have peculiar stories behind them.

For example, the flight to Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines not only meets tourist demand but also responds to a growing business relationship between Andalusia and Turkey.

→ Discover also the advantages of choosing a
long-stay parking at Seville Airport

Curious details about Seville Airport, more interesting than it seems

And finally, here are some additional details that make Seville Airport even more interesting:

• Although it would seem logical that the IATA code for Seville Airport would be SEV, it is actually SVQ. This is because the SEV code had already been assigned to the airport of the Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk. Therefore, they chose to use the letters S and V from "Seville" and randomly added an additional letter — in this case, Q — resulting in the current code SVQ.
• Unlike other airports of its size, Seville Airport maintains a fairly calm and comfortable atmosphere, with shorter waiting times.
• Within its facilities, you can find local Andalusian products such as olive oil, wine, Iberian ham, and handmade ceramic souvenirs.

Did you already know these curiosities about Seville Airport?

If you’ve ever flown from this airport, you might now see it with different eyes. What began as a farmhouse has evolved into an international connection hub with its own character, history, and many secrets to discover.

Also, if you plan to travel soon from this airport, remember that there are now more convenient and accessible parking options near Seville Airport, thanks to new spaces next to the terminal where you can book your spot online in advance, such as the Seville Airport Parking 24Plus. A way to start your trip off on the right foot, without rush or surprises.