Spain has become one of Europe's most popular places to train as a pilot, and it is easy to see why. Its flight schools are EASA-approved and teach in English, the climate delivers roughly 300 flyable (VFR) days a year, and there is no VAT on vocational flight training - so the same EASA licence often costs noticeably less than in the UK or northern Europe.
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Spain starts from around EUR 7,500, while a full integrated ATPL - the fast-track airline route - runs from roughly EUR 69,500 to EUR 90,000, compared with about GBP 95,000 to 115,000 for an equivalent integrated course in the UK. Living costs are typically 30-40% lower too, and the reliable weather means fewer weather-cancelled lessons and a faster finish.
Flight schools in Spain (33)
- AeroAstur - Asturias
- Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell - Sabadell
- Aerodynamics Academy - Malaga
- Aerolink Flight Academy - Sabadell
- Aerotec Pilot School - Madrid
- Airpull Aviation Academy - Valencia
- Alicante Aviation School - Alicante
- Atlantic Air Academy (AFN) - A Coruña
- BAA Training Spain - Lleida
- Barcelona Flight School - Sabadell
- Blue Team Aviation - Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- CANAVIA Aviation Academy - Las Palmas
- Castellón Flight Academy - Castellón de la Plana
- CESDA - Centre for University Studies in Aviation - Reus
- EAS Barcelona - Sabadell
- European Flyers - Various · Integrated ATPL from €85,500
- Extremadura Aviation - Badajoz
- Fly EPT Spain - Palma de Mallorca · PPL from €7,498
- FlyBy Aviation Academy - Burgos · Integrated ATPL from €79,500
- FlyUp Academy - Casarrubios del Monte
- FTE Jerez - Jerez de la Frontera
- Grupo One Air - Malaga · PPL from €16,000
- Ibertour FTO - Various
- MRO Aviation - Granada
- Murcia Flight Academy - Murcia
- One Air (Grupo One Air) - Málaga · PPL from €9,600
- Panamedia International Flight School - Valencia
- Panamedia Mallorca - Palma de Mallorca
- PULSE Flight Training Hub - Madrid
- Quality Fly Aviation Academy - Madrid · Integrated ATPL from €86,000
- Seville Flight Training - Seville · PPL from €8,500
- Valencia Flight Training - Valencia
- World Aviation Flight Academy - Madrid · PPL from €9,907
Frequently asked questions
Is flight training in Spain cheaper than the UK?
Generally yes. A Spanish EASA PPL starts around EUR 7,500 and integrated ATPL courses from about EUR 69,500, versus roughly GBP 95,000 or more for a UK integrated course. Lower living costs and more flyable days add to the saving.
Is the training in English and is the licence valid elsewhere?
Yes - Spanish schools teach in English and issue EASA licences, which are valid across the EASA system. Since Brexit an EASA licence is not automatically a UK CAA licence, but it can be converted; always confirm the current conversion route with the school.
How many hours and what medical do I need for a PPL?
An EASA PPL requires a minimum of 45 flight hours (most students need a little more) and an EASA Class 2 medical. For a commercial airline path you will also need a Class 1 medical.
Spain · Ireland · Helicopter UK · Costs & funding · How to become a pilot · Flying lessons