Approval of Barcelona-El Prat Airport Expansion Project
The Technical Commission of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Government of Catalonia has approved the expansion project for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, led by Aena. This decision balances the development of an intercontinental hub with the preservation of La Ricarda lagoon.
The total estimated investment amounts to 3.2 billion euros and will be executed under the forthcoming Airport Regulation Document (DORA 3), scheduled for the 2027–2031 period.
Technical Expansion with a Forward-Looking Vision
The core of the project is the extension of Runway 24L-06R, also known as the “sea runway.” With an additional 500 meters, this runway will reach a total length of 3,160 meters, enabling unrestricted intercontinental flights. Beyond improving operational capacity, the expansion will reduce noise impact on nearby communities.
Key Works
The plan includes the following major interventions:
- Comprehensive remodeling of Terminal 1.
- Structural upgrades to Terminal 2.
- Extension of the sea runway.
- Construction of a new satellite terminal.
- Additional improvements linked to the sea runway.
- Upgrades to parking facilities at both terminals.
Environmental Commitment: Less Impact, More Conservation
One of the project’s most notable aspects is its focus on minimizing environmental footprint. The technical proposal preserves the water body of La Ricarda by ending the runway before the arm connecting the lagoon to the sea. This represents an 87-meter reduction in impact on the natural area compared to previous proposals.
Furthermore, ambitious compensatory measures have been designed for the Llobregat Delta:
- Restoration of over 270 hectares of natural spaces, ten times the affected area.
- Creation of a “green belt” around the airport to integrate agricultural and environmental protection uses.
- Establishment of a dedicated environmental fund to enhance Delta conservation.
These actions will complement Aena’s ongoing efforts in the area, such as pine forest silviculture, invasive species control, installation of bird nesting boxes, drainage channel maintenance, and preventive water extraction to avoid saltwater intrusion.
With this approval, Aena—the world’s leading airport operator by passenger numbers—begins its largest investment phase in 20 years. The goal: to adapt its infrastructure to meet new air traffic demands, intercontinental growth, and contemporary safety standards.
The project will strengthen Barcelona’s strategic role as a global gateway and solidify Aena’s position as a driver of sustainable transformation in the aviation sector.
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