Aena gets approval for 3.2 billion euros: Barcelona airport

Catalonia has approved Aena's 3.2 billion euro expansion plan for Barcelona El Prat airport, which includes extending a runway, building a satellite terminal, and remodelling existing terminals. Nearly 300 hectares of agricultural land will be converted into wetlands to offset environmental concerns. While Aena anticipates increased capacity and more direct international flights, critics worry about overtourism and pollution in Barcelona.

Salvador Illa, the region's president, told reporters on Tuesday that Catalonia has approved airport operator Aena to expand the Barcelona El Prat airport by 3.2 billion euros. The deal between Spain's Transport Ministry, Catalonia's government, and Aena involves extending a third runway, building a satellite terminal, and remodelling Terminals 1 and 2, as well as the parking area.

Additionally, almost 300 hectares of the neighbouring Llobregat agriculture fields park will be turned back into wetlands to compensate for the construction works' projected environmental impact. The planned expansion, which has been discussed for years, is criticised by environmentalist activist groups opposing tourism and hard left parties. Aena and airlines have said that the expansion will allow more direct flights from the United States and Asia, coveted markets for the local tourism industry.

Aina Vidal, a member of parliament who belongs to the government's junior coalition partner Sumar, said on Thursday that Barcelona was already overflowing with tourists and could not welcome more.

"More aeroplanes mean more pollution for a city that is already at its limit," Vidal told a news conference. According to Aena, the new satellite terminal is expected to increase the airport's capacity to 70 million annual passengers, up from the current 55 million. Spain received 94 million tourists last year, making it the world's second-most popular destination after France.

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Aena Gets Approval For 3.2 Billion Euros: Barcelona Airport

News Source : Economic Times