The long-debated expansion of Barcelona El Prat Airport is once again under consideration as Aena, the airport’s operator, sees a potential breakthrough following the change in Catalonia’s government.
Aena President Maurici Lucena expressed optimism that the recent shift in leadership, with Salvador Illa as the new president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, could revive discussions about the long-stalled project.
“There are reasons for optimism with the new government,” Lucena stated during his address at the La Caixa Foundation Chair.
His remarks come after the previous administration, led by Pere Aragonés, rejected the proposed expansion due to environmental concerns.
“I notice a change of pace, but Aena has to be cautious because until a high-level political decision is made, we are a passive actor. It is a decision of the Government of Spain and the Government of Catalonia,” Lucena added.
The proposed expansion, initially dismissed in September 2021 due to its potential impact on the protected natural area of La Ricarda, aims to transform Barcelona El Prat into a hub for intercontinental flights and increase the number of daily operations.
The lack of political consensus between the central government and the Generalitat previously derailed the project, which was seen as vital for the region’s growth and competitiveness.
Lucena emphasized that the expansion of Barcelona El Prat is critical not only for Catalonia but also for the entire nation, stating, “Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain need the airport to be expanded if we want to continue generating prosperity. The Spanish Government is very clear about this, and in my opinion, the expansion announced by the new honorable president of the Generalitat is excellent news.”
This project aligns with Aena’s broader strategy to enhance capacity across other key Spanish airports, including Madrid, Tenerife, Valencia, and Ibiza.
“All Spanish airports have the capacity to accommodate future demand or are already expanding, except, unfortunately, Barcelona,” Lucena noted.
Barcelona is not only a major transportation hub but also one of Spain’s most important tourism destinations, drawing millions of visitors every year. Known for its vibrant culture, world-renowned architecture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline, the city plays a pivotal role in Spain’s tourism economy, especially during the summer months when both national and international tourists flock to its attractions. The expansion of El Prat Airport would significantly boost the city’s capacity to welcome even more visitors, further solidifying its status as a premier gateway to Spain and a leading destination for leisure and business travel.
Earlier, Salvador Illa announced that a technical committee would convene on October 8 to assess the project, with a target to complete the expansion by early 2025. Given the environmental complexities surrounding the project, Lucena stressed that the expansion should be designed by experts to meet all necessary criteria.
Additionally, Lucena highlighted Aena’s commitment to sustainability, revealing plans to incentivize airlines to decarbonize their operations. “Aena, in addition to being ‘net zero’ in emissions by 2030, is going to help aircraft with a framework of incentives so that they decarbonize as quickly as possible,” he stated.
