Barcelona airport expansion plans have taken a significant step forward as Aena launches a €4.45 million master plan tender.

The Spanish airport operator has published the contract for developing the strategic blueprint for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport’s future development.

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This crucial document will define infrastructure changes needed to accommodate growing passenger demand while addressing environmental concerns.

Environmental Challenges Dominate Barcelona Airport Expansion

The master plan acknowledges that extensive environmental analysis will be necessary, particularly since many proposed developments fall within protected Natura 2000 network areas. Consequently, the tender documents emphasize studying impacts on protected spaces like La Ricarda and El Remolar. Furthermore, the plan requires selecting alternatives with minimal environmental effects and developing compensatory measures for European Commission approval.

The contract includes comprehensive environmental assessments spanning hydrological studies and specific species censuses. Additionally, it mandates precise documentation of animal populations, feeding areas, and breeding grounds within affected zones. Airport director Eva Valenzuela recently described this environmental component as “somewhat special” due to the “high environmental protection” status of surrounding land.

Meanwhile, the tender remains open until December 17 with a maximum five-year duration. Aena president Maurici Lucena previously explained the substantial budget reflects need for “important technical advisory services” to properly evaluate all expansion options. The master plan will ultimately determine infrastructure requirements for meeting short, medium, and long-term passenger demand forecasts.

Construction for the El Prat expansion is scheduled to begin from 2029 onward. Catalan Economy Minister Alícia Romero recently reaffirmed the government’s “clear commitment” to the project, stating “if we want to be connected with the world, we need to grow.” This development represents a crucial infrastructure investment for Barcelona’s future connectivity.

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