> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Aena denies delays in Barcelona Airport expansion - URL: https://barna.news/aena-denies-delays-in-barcelona-airport/ - Published: 2026-10-01T16:35:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-01T16:37:10.000Z - Description: Aena chief Maurici Lucena dismisses claims of schedule slippage in the El Prat expansion project, reaffirming alignment with the DORA IV investment framework through to 2036. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: transport ## Project timeline remains on track, says Aena president Aena president Maurici Lucena has firmly rejected claims of any delay in the expansion schedule for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Speaking at an event hosted by the Cercle d'Economia on Thursday 1 October 2026, Lucena stated categorically: "This simply is not true. There is no delay." He addressed reports suggesting setbacks attributable to Aena or the national government, which regulates infrastructure investment timing. "I don't understand why certain circles are circulating the idea of a delay," Lucena said, emphasising that the project remains fully aligned with the DORA IV (2032–2036) investment period. --- ## Key developments and environmental safeguards The expansion plan, approved by a joint technical committee of the Spanish Ministry of Transport and the Generalitat de Catalunya, includes a €3.2 billion investment programme under Aena's DORA 3 (2027–2031) and DORA IV phases [according to Aena](https://www.aena.es/en/press/the-ministry-of-transport-and-sustainable-mobility-and-the-generalitat-de---catalunya-greenlight-aenas-plan-to-expand-the-josep-tarradellas---barcelona-el-prat-airport.html?ref=barna.news). Major components include the extension of Runway 24L-06R (the sea runway) by 500 metres to reach 3,160 metres, enabling unrestricted intercontinental operations while reducing noise impact. The La Ricarda lagoon will retain its water surface, with the runway ending before its main channel. This design reduces environmental impact by 87 metres compared to earlier proposals. Additional actions involve remodelling Terminals 1 and 2, constructing a new satellite terminal, and improving parking facilities. > "No entiendo porque desde algunos círculos se está haciendo circular la idea de que hay un retraso. Esto simplemente, y lo digo categóricamente, no es verdad. No hay ningún retraso.", Maurici Lucena, President and CEO, Aena ## New master plan tender imminent Aena is preparing to launch the tender for the new Master Plan (Plan Director), with an initial budget of €4.45 million, significantly higher than usual due to the complexity of environmental assessments and EU-level consultations [as confirmed by Aena](https://www.aena.es/doc/detalleprensa/251111-maurici-lucena-en-matins-esade.pdf?ref=barna.news). The process is expected to begin approval in the second quarter of 2026, with final adoption projected for late 2029 following strategic environmental evaluation. Parallel to these preparations, over €800 million in ongoing investments are modernising both terminals. Terminal 2 will undergo full renovation, while Terminal 1 will gain 70,000 square metres, 15.5% more space, by 2032, including facade relocation and new construction. --- *Primary sources:* [*aena.es*](https://www.aena.es/en/press/the-ministry-of-transport-and-sustainable-mobility-and-the-generalitat-de---catalunya-greenlight-aenas-plan-to-expand-the-josep-tarradellas---barcelona-el-prat-airport.html?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by Europa Press, elnacional.cat, Europa Press Barcelona.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [El Prat Council Rejects Airport Expansion](https://barna.news/el-prat-council-rejects-airport/)