Barcelona airport to undergo €3.2 billion expansion to boost global connectivity

Spain’s airport operator Aena has received approval from the Catalan government to move forward with a €3.2 billion expansion of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The project, announced by Catalonia’s socialist president Salvador Illa, is set to transform the airport into a major intercontinental hub while balancing environmental preservation.

The agreement, reached between Spain’s Transport Ministry, the Catalan government, and Aena, includes several key upgrades. These include the extension of the sea-facing runway by 500 meters, bringing its total length to 3,160 meters, which will accommodate larger intercontinental aircraft. Additionally, the plan features the construction of a new satellite terminal, the remodeling of Terminals 1 and 2, and improvements to parking infrastructure.

The project incorporates measures to mitigate environmental impact, including the restoration of over 270 hectares of the Llobregat Delta, a critical natural habitat. Aena has also committed to creating a green belt to balance agricultural and environmental uses, as well as establishing a dedicated environmental fund to protect the local ecosystem. These measures aim to offset the ecological impact of the expansion, which has faced criticism from environmentalists and activist groups.

Aena and airlines anticipate that the upgrades will significantly enhance Barcelona’s ability to operate direct flights to coveted markets in the United States and Asia, boosting the region’s tourism sector. The new satellite terminal will increase the airport’s passenger capacity from 55 million in 2024 to 70 million annually, supporting the airport’s position as a long-haul alternative hub for Spain.

Despite these developments, the expansion plan has sparked controversy. Critics, including environmental activists and left-wing politicians, argue that the project will exacerbate existing issues such as pollution and overtourism. Aina Vidal, a member of parliament from Sumar, a junior coalition partner in the government, stated, "More airplanes mean more pollution for a city that is already at its limit."

Barcelona-El Prat Airport has experienced significant growth, handling 55 million passengers in 2024, a 4.5% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. With its network of destinations outside Europe already reaching 55 cities by the summer of 2025, the expansion is seen as a crucial step in meeting growing demand and sustaining its role as a global gateway.

Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million tourists in 2024, remains the world’s second-most visited country, underscoring the strategic importance of Barcelona’s airport in supporting the nation’s flourishing tourism industry.