The expansion of El Prat faces a new milestone with the tendering of the master plan

BarcelonaLittle by little, the expansion of El Prat is moving forward, after having achieved reach a consensus The support of the various administrations is crucial. Aena's project now faces one of its most important stages to become a reality with the bidding process for drafting the master plan in the coming days. This is the necessary step before construction can begin, with the schedule planned to start in 2029.

"The expansion needs a new master plan," said Aena's president, Mauricio Lucena, at a breakfast at Esade with business leaders and alumni. This process will define the changes to be made in the coming years, in which environmental compensation will play a significant role. With a total cost of 4.5 million euros, 3 million euros will be allocated to the planned actions in the protected areas of La Ricarda and El Remolar. "With the commitment that they will be better than they are now," Lucena emphasized.

He also mentioned the outstanding environmental compensation from the previous expansion of Barcelona Airport. It is one of the main obstacles preventing Europe from giving the green light to the extension of the third runway, which will require modifications to the Ricarda lagoon. Lucena indicated that both the Catalan and Spanish governments have sent letters to Brussels in recent weeks to "finalize the last details."

He also responded to the "nonsense" he claims has been said about the expansion, with a budget of 3.2 billion euros, which has caused the project to "cost more than desired." "I've had the feeling that the debate has footballizedWe've had great ones brothers-in-law giving their opinions on the length of the track and how the hubs"It was all somewhat embarrassing," said Lucena, who also didn't hold back in criticizing Ryanair and its CEO, Michael O'Leary, for the standoff they are waging. due to the increase in airport fees

To avoid what he called "absurd" discussions, he called for "a scientific and rational debate" on the expansion and gave arguments in its favor, such as the possibility of turning the airport into a hub long-haul. "It's a necessary but not sufficient condition. The probability is high, but it's not certain," he said.

The president of Aena also acknowledged that the expansion timeline is "difficult," but expressed optimism. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of 2029, once the master plan has been approved, provided the European Commission has been convinced. Before then, however, the existing terminals will be remodeled. with the advance of the T1 facadewhere, he announced, the Miró mural currently in Terminal 2 will be placed. If nothing is delayed, the land will be purchased within four years and the work affecting Ricarda and Remolar will begin, while the runway extension and the construction of a new terminal will not take place until 2033 or 2034.

All this while keeps adding passengers and surpasses its theoretical limit. Standing at 55 million passengers, last year was the first time This figure was surpassed, and this year it's on track to do so again. "If the projections are met, we'll be above 58 million passengers," he explained, by filling off-peak hours and during the off-season. "Operations will be somewhat complicated; the airport will be at full capacity while the infrastructure is being developed. Therefore, there will be some disruption to comfort," he noted.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

The expansion project wasn't the only major topic Lucena addressed in a conference that lasted over an hour. The executive also tackled another controversy surrounding the infrastructure: its centralized governance model. This comes after Catalan political parties called for changes, with ERC forming a coalition with the PSC to elect Salvador Illa as Prime Minister. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," he said. However, Lucena left the door open to "better coordination with the regions," provided the structure of this publicly traded company, with the State holding 51% as its main shareholder, is respected. "Currently, although we've experienced some fluctuations in the share price due to political and regulatory noise, Aena is the seventh largest company by market capitalization in Spain," he maintained, following the impact seen on the Ibex 35. with the amendment by Juntos to the Sustainable Mobility LawLucena declined to comment on this matter.

The government, however, is still pursuing the idea of promoting changes. in the governance of Barcelona airport to give a voice to the GeneralitatThe Minister of Territory and spokesperson for the Catalan Government, Sílvia Paneque, has stated that there are "mechanisms and avenues" to improve the management of routes and timetables. "There is room for improvement, although this is an issue we are not currently working on specifically with a model we can share. But it is included in the investiture agreement, ERC is interested, and so is the Government," she said.