El Prat airport will improve the runway closest to the sea while awaiting its expansion.

El Prat de LlobregatWhile it doesn't move forward the expansion project At El Prat Airport, Aena is carrying out minor infrastructure improvements to optimize its use. On the runway closest to the sea, the airport operator is defining the necessary works to make it more efficient, such as repaving and new aircraft approaches. This package of works will represent an investment of over €100 million and is expected to begin in the winter of 2027 or 2028, depending on how quickly all the approval procedures are completed.

The repaving of the short runway is a mandatory maintenance project that must be carried out every 20 to 25 years, as noted by Jaume Bauza, head of operations at Barcelona Airport. The current structure was built about 20 years ago and needs to be renovated, regardless of whether the runway extension is eventually carried out—one of the issues that has generated the most public opposition due to its impact on the Ricarda lagoon. All the pavement will have to be removed and replaced, a complex undertaking not seen at the airport for years. The same work was done on the long runway in 2016. This time, it will mean closing the short runway for about two months and will have a clear impact on the airport's operations, which will have to operate using only the long and cross runways. Furthermore, increasing the slope of the runway closest to the sea will remain pending, a measure contingent on the runway extension and agreed upon by Aena and the Port of Barcelona to ensure compatibility between the container terminals and their cranes and the airport's aircraft operations.

With the resurfacing of the third runway, the opportunity will be taken to install LED technology in the runway lights that signal aircraft before takeoff, not only because they are more efficient than the current halogen lights but also because they are more visible. In addition, the runway threshold will be redesigned to allow aircraft to depart more quickly. Currently, there are only three holding points for aircraft before entering the runway for takeoff. These are reduced to just one in low-visibility conditions, such as fog, which slows down airport traffic, already operating at maximum capacity during peak hours. To avoid these bottlenecks, the airport operator will double the number of holding points to six, streamlining operations in both good and poor visibility conditions. Furthermore, a new taxiway will be constructed. This is the path aircraft use to access the runway, and a new one will be built parallel to the existing one. In this case, it will also serve as an alternative for those situations where an aircraft becomes stuck in the runway due to technical problems and slows down the train of planes behind it.

This entire reconfiguration, currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment, will also include the construction of a new aircraft parking apron. Located near the cross-runway, it will have capacity for six large aircraft, such as those used for intercontinental flights. It will be intended for aircraft that need to remain at the airport for a period of time, either for maintenance or due to changes in airline schedules, as is currently happening with Qatar Airways planes grounded at El Prat Airport due to the conflict in Iran. Additionally, it will be equipped for de-icing operations on the rare occasions when aircraft in Barcelona require it.

Make the cross-track faster

The entire project will last two and a half years, although the main disruption will be the closure of the short runway for almost two months, primarily during the winter months. Given the reliance on the cross runway during this period, Aena plans to complete the construction of a new rapid exit taxiway. This will reduce taxiing time for aircraft after landing, as previously announced by the ARA. This minor renovation will cost €3.1 million and is expected to begin this November.

Currently, the airport operates with both parallel runways during the day, maximizing capacity. However, at night, when activity decreases, it uses the cross runway for arrivals to minimize noise over neighboring towns like Gavà and Castelldefels, weather and wind permitting. It is at this time that a long journey begins after landing. Planes touch down and begin a slow taxi to the terminal, often further increasing passenger waits, which can be compounded by a bus ride rather than the desired departures.finger

With the ongoing work to replace the pavement on the third runway, this new exit will also expedite daytime landings when the runway needs to be closed—shortening the taxiway for aircraft—and will also allow airlines to use less fuel. The new exit will be located just after the point where the cross runway intersects the long runway. This will eliminate the need to taxi the aircraft almost to the end of the cross runway, as is currently the case, which is much farther from Terminal 1 and where pilots must make sharper turns, forcing them to reduce speed even further and taking longer. Specifically, the new exit will shorten the taxiway by approximately 1,000 meters and reduce taxiing time by up to a minute and a half.