Airport operator Aena has officially confirmed a landmark investment plan exceeding €3 billion to expand the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The strategic roadmap, outlined for the 2027-2031 period, aims to address the facility’s critical capacity constraints through the construction of a new satellite terminal, the extension of a key runway, and a significant reconfiguration of the existing T1 and T2 terminals.

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The announcement came on Wednesday, February 18, as Aena presented its new Airport Regulation Document (DORA III) to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV). This document details a record national investment of €12.888 billion across Aena’s network, with Barcelona set to receive a substantial portion due to the urgent need for upgrades.

Aena’s Executive Vice President, Javier Marín, underscored the necessity of the project, revealing that the airport is already operating with forecasts of over 60 million passengers, pushing it well beyond its theoretical capacity of 55 million. This strain on infrastructure has become increasingly evident, with El Prat consistently setting new traffic highs, as it did with a record 3.8 million passengers in January 2026.

However, the execution of this ambitious plan is far from guaranteed. Aena has clarified that the project’s progression is entirely dependent on securing the necessary environmental permits. The most significant hurdle is the proposed extension of the third runway, which would impact the protected La Ricarda natural area-a sensitive issue that has stalled previous expansion attempts.

During the presentation, Aena President and CEO, Maurici Lucena, did not mince words, lamenting that the much-needed investment arrives “five years late.” In a pointed critique reported by Metrópoli Abierta, he directly blamed the previous presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya, led by the ERC party, for having “blocked the expansion” during the last legislative session.

The financial strategy to fund the expansion has also ignited a fierce dispute between the airport operator and major airlines. Aena is proposing an annual tariff increase of 3.82%, which translates to an average rise of about €0.43 per passenger. This proposal has been met with staunch opposition from the Airlines Association (ALA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which are demanding a 4.9% tariff reduction instead.

The airlines accuse Aena of deliberately underestimating future air traffic growth to justify higher fees. While Aena projects a conservative 1.3% annual growth through 2031, industry forecasts cited by ALA anticipate a more robust 3.6% increase.

The tension peaked during a press conference exchange involving criticism from low-cost carrier Ryanair, which had accused Aena of basing its plan on “false assumptions” and “oversized expenses.” Lucena dismissed the critique with a sharp, ironic jab at Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary.

“He is a little impatient because he is about to collect a bonus of 100 million and is shaking up all the financial variables,” Lucena stated, concluding firmly, “We are fortunate that Spanish airports do not depend on what Ryanair says.”

With a clear roadmap and allocated funds, Aena’s vision for a larger, more efficient Barcelona hub is set. Yet, its path is obstructed by a familiar environmental standoff and a burgeoning financial war with the very airlines it aims to serve, leaving the future of the city’s primary gateway hanging in the balance.