1.76 Billion Euros Allocated for Airport Modernisation
The Spanish Council of Ministers approved the Airport Regulation Document (DORA III) for 2027–2031 on Tuesday 15 September 2026, unlocking 1.760 billion euros for the modernisation of Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The investment will target the transformation of terminals T1 and T2, improvements to T2’s parking facilities, and environmental upgrades to the seaside runway 06R/24L. However, there are no plans for physical expansion of the airport under this phase. DORA III, which governs airport charges and investments across Spain, includes a near-freeze on average passenger fees, with an annual increase of just three cents per passenger, Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed.
Focus on Environmental and Operational Upgrades
While the document does not authorise full expansion of runway 06R/24L, it permits preliminary works. Aena, the state-owned airport operator, said these will focus on environmental aspects, given the runway’s proximity to La Ricarda Lagoon, a protected natural area. Aena’s CEO Maurici Lucena previously outlined that the broader 10-year renovation plan for El Prat will total 3.2 billion euros. Nationally, DORA III allocates nearly 13 billion euros for airport infrastructure across Spain.
Local and Political Opposition to Expansion Plans
Despite approval, political and local resistance remains strong. Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture and spokesperson for Sumar, criticised the plan for perpetuating airport growth that he says contradicts climate goals.
We cannot, if we want to fight against the climate emergency, continue expanding airport activity in the way it has been presented to us.
Urtasun reiterated opposition to extending the seaside runway, citing environmental harm to La Ricarda and increased tourist pressure on Barcelona, which he described as already "excessively strained." El Prat de Llobregat mayor Alba Bou echoed these concerns, calling continued expansion plans "irresponsible" and condemning the lack of consultation with local authorities.
It is a document that involves millionaire investments without transparency, without consulting us or asking for our opinion. If anyone knows this territory, it is the local governments.
The Barcelona Chamber of Commerce welcomed the investment but urged faster action, calling for construction to begin by 2030 and pushing for inclusion of a satellite terminal and runway extension in future phases.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport handled over 40 million passengers in the past year, following a record-breaking August, underscoring the pressure on infrastructure and services.
Primary sources: Aena. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.
