Aena Drives Hotel Developments at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat as Part of its Airport Cities
Aena has launched the tender process for the first hotel developments at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airports, marking a key step within its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This project aims to transform the land adjacent to the terminals into authentic Airport Cities, with complementary uses that enhance the connectivity and services of both airports.
In Madrid, the hotel will be located at the current T2 terminal, while in Barcelona it will be opposite T2. The planned buildable areas reach 18,400 m² at Barajas and 20,000 m² at El Prat, which will help attract international operators and position both airports at the level of major global hubs.
Tender Details
The tender includes the award of a surface rights concession for 75 years for the construction and operation of the hotels. Bidders may submit offers independently or jointly, provided they include individual proposals for each airport.
The fee will be variable based on revenue, although a guaranteed annual minimum is in place. Furthermore, operators will have the possibility to change the hotel brand or management company during the contract term, provided they demonstrate experience in managing hotels of a similar category and that the project is backed by an international chain.
The future complexes will be oriented towards the four-star category, with at least 300 rooms and complementary services such as restaurants, conference rooms, commercial areas, and a gym. The design will be flexible, adaptable to the needs of the awardee, while respecting urban planning and sustainability criteria set by Aena.
Interested parties have a period of four months from the publication of the tender documents to submit their proposals.
Sustainability as a Core Project Principle
Aena has developed a “White Paper” defining the design, innovation, and sustainability standards for these initiatives. The document, developed with the support of specialized consultants, sets objectives for urbanization, landscaping, construction, connectivity, and project management, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This framework guarantees a comprehensive vision that respects the environment, fosters innovation, and reinforces the identity of the Airport Cities.
Continuous Expansion of the Airport Cities
The Airport City concept integrates logistics, hotel, office, aeronautical, and associated service activities. In Barcelona, Aena has already awarded a 50,000 m² plot to the company Cilsa for logistics buildings. A 10,000 m² warehouse built by DHL on a 28,500 m² plot has also become operational, while IAS Handling and Swissport are progressing with their new facilities.
In Madrid, the new Aena headquarters is planned next to T4, and an 8,500 m² plot has already been awarded to Lidl to build a supermarket. Furthermore, Ryanair, through FR Hangars, has leased the airport’s largest hangar, with a surface area of 22,606 m².
Other advancements include the award of two cargo terminals: one of 40,500 m² to Espalina Global, on the frontline, and another of over 10,000 m² to Andino Global, currently under construction.
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