Sabadell Airport faces mounting criticism from local business leaders who claim the facility is being systematically neglected by airport operator Aena.
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The controversy emerges as Aena prepares to invest nearly €13 billion in airport infrastructure, with Barcelona’s El Prat airport receiving the lion’s share while smaller regional airports struggle for attention.
The Sabadell Chamber of Commerce has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current situation.
“We feel absolutely mistreated,” stated Pere Jordi Puig, president of urban planning, infrastructure and transport at the chamber. Unlike Barcelona, Girona and Reus airports, Sabadell serves private aviation, flight training and emergency services rather than commercial flights.
Sabadell Airport’s Economic Potential Remains Untapped
Despite handling approximately 6,500 users annually and employing around 500 people across various flight schools, workshops and businesses, the airport’s potential remains largely unrealised. The facility operates approximately 58,700 operations per year, well below its estimated capacity of 75,000. Furthermore, the airport’s master plan, approved in 2001, has become obsolete without being fully implemented.
Business leaders argue that developing the industrial zone could transform the airport into an attractive aviation cluster. “It’s an underused infrastructure with plenty of space for more activity,” Puig emphasised. “The industry here is dispersed, and we’re missing the opportunity to develop synergies.”
Accessibility remains a significant challenge, with poor signage and difficult public transport connections creating additional barriers. The recent chaos on Rodalies services has highlighted broader transport infrastructure issues affecting the region.
Operating hours present another limitation, restricted to daylight hours despite having the necessary infrastructure for night operations. This restriction forces flight training schools to conduct some courses at other airports, adding unnecessary complexity and cost.
Local residents have expressed concerns about noise pollution and safety risks, with 44 accidents recorded since the late 1990s, seven of which involved fatalities. The tension between operational needs and community impact mirrors challenges seen at other regional airports.
The Chamber estimates that €30 million would suffice to modernise Sabadell Airport significantly. This amount represents a tiny fraction of the €3.2 billion allocated for expanding Barcelona’s El Prat facility. Business leaders hope that Aena will reconsider its investment priorities and allocate resources to ensure Sabadell Airport reaches its full potential.
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