Unusual Air Activity Causes Confusion
Residents in central Barcelona reported a loud helicopter hovering overhead on the morning of Sunday, 6 September 2026. The aircraft, flying as low as 350 metres, circled repeatedly over Dreta de l'Eixample, Horta-Guinardó, and near the Sagrada Família, prompting concern and confusion among locals. Initial reports suggested a police operation, as the helicopter bore the dark blue livery and red markings used by the Mossos d'Esquadra. However, it lacked official police identification lettering.
Not a Police Operation
According to Mossos d'Esquadra sources, the helicopter was not engaged in law enforcement. Instead, it was hired by a production company for filming, operating under proper authorisation. The aircraft, registered as EC-KYJ, is an Airbus Helicopters AS355 Écureuil 2 model. It is the same model used by the Mossos, though not currently in their active fleet. The police force confirmed they do not own this unit but occasionally rent identical models from the same private operator. Flight data from flightradar24.com shows the helicopter took off at 7:29 AM and remained airborne for several hours, conducting repeated passes over central districts.
"A helicopter has been circling Barcelona for 15 minutes since 9 a.m. Is this normal?"
"What happened? Why is there a helicopter flying so low over Barcelona?"
These social media comments, reported by La Vanguardia, reflect public concern during the flight.
Background on the Aircraft
The Mossos d'Esquadra operate a Unitat Central d'Helicòpters for surveillance, search and rescue, and public order. While they previously operated an AS355 model acquired in 2009, it was temporarily withdrawn after a turbine incident in 2015. A replacement of identical make and livery was used during its absence, and the original returned to service in 2018. The EC-KYJ model in use on 6 September is a small twin-engine helicopter with a capacity for six crew members and a cruising speed exceeding 240 km/h. It is equipped with a forward-mounted camera, consistent with filming or surveillance use.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, flightradar24.com, La Vanguardia, Flightradar24, ikipedia.blackbriarcomputing.com, aerotendencias.com, betevé.
