El Prat expansion plans have taken a significant step forward as airport operator Aena prepares to launch a crucial tender for the project’s master plan.
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According to company president Maurici Lucena, the tender will be published in the “coming days” and represents a major milestone in the long-debated airport expansion project.
The €4.5 million tender focuses specifically on developing environmental measures and the master plan documentation.
This substantial investment reflects the project’s complexity and the need for European Union approval processes.Furthermore, the environmental consultancy contract is being described as one of the largest of its kind in Spain in recent years.
El Prat Expansion Environmental Focus
Environmental concerns have been central to the expansion debate, particularly regarding potential impacts on the La Ricarda lagoon. Consequently, Aena aims to make sustainability a cornerstone of the development. Lucena emphasised their goal of creating “an exemplary project” that sets new standards for environmental responsibility in major infrastructure developments.
The expansion agreement between the Ministry of Transport, the Generalitat and Aena, reached last June, involves a total investment of €3.2 billion. Additionally, the master plan will outline the airport’s growth strategy across short, medium and long-term horizons. While such plans typically take five years to complete, Aena targets a four-year timeline for this crucial document.
This infrastructure development comes as Catalunya plans substantial housing growth across the region. The coordinated approach to infrastructure and housing reflects broader regional development strategies that could transform Barcelona’s connectivity and living standards.
The projected timeline suggests master plan studies will begin during the second quarter of 2026, with approval expected around late 2029. This schedule allows for completion of the strategic environmental assessment and necessary consultations with the European Commission. The El Prat expansion ultimately aims to position Barcelona among the world’s leading intercontinental hubs while maintaining environmental integrity.
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