By Molly Grace

Copyright euroweeklynews

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has unveiled plans for what the government is calling the largest investment in Spain’s airports in recent decades. The programme, to be carried out by the partly state-owned operator Aena, will see close to €13 billion invested between 2027 and 2031 across the national network.

Announcing the initiative during a visit to Alicante-Elche airport, Sánchez described the programme as a “historic investment” that would modernise the country’s airport infrastructure while maintaining some of the most competitive fees in Europe. He was joined by Transport Minister Óscar Puente and Aena’s chief executive Maurici Lucena.

Expansion at major hubs

The plan will focus heavily on Spain’s busiest airports. Around €3.2 billion is earmarked for Barcelona-El Prat, where projects include the extension of a third runway, the construction of a new satellite terminal and major refurbishments of terminals 1 and 2. Madrid-Barajas is expected to receive around €2.4 billion, while Alicante-Elche will see more than €1 billion invested in terminal enlargement and the building of a new taxiway. In total, close to €10 billion of the investment will be channelled into what are classified as “regulated” activities, primarily linked to aeronautical operations. The remainder will cover commercial and non-regulated developments, including retail areas and services designed to enhance passenger experience.

Meeting rising demand

The government has argued that the scale of the programme is essential to meet future demand. Passenger numbers at Spanish airports are forecast to reach around 320 million this year, continuing the recovery from the pandemic and pointing towards steady growth over the next decade. Officials say the improvements will ensure that Spain retains its status as a global aviation hub, capable of handling rising traffic volumes while providing better facilities for travellers.

The planned investment is almost four times greater than the level approved in the previous regulatory cycle covering the years 2022 to 2026. According to the government, this reflects not only increased demand but also the need to modernise airports to meet environmental standards and new technological requirements.

Funded through tariffs

Unlike public works financed directly from the state budget, the airport programme will be funded through the fees Aena charges airlines and passengers. This has been a source of debate within the industry. In 2026, Aena has already been authorised to raise its tariffs by 6.5 per cent, lifting the average maximum revenue per passenger from €10.35 to €11.03. Further adjustments are expected during the life of the new investment cycle.

Airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, have voiced concern that higher fees could undermine route viability and eventually push up ticket prices. They argue that while investment is necessary, the pace and scale of tariff increases should be carefully managed to protect competitiveness.

Government defends competitiveness

Sánchez has defended the programme, insisting that Spain’s airport fees remain among the most competitive in the European Union. The government maintains that the country offers a high standard of infrastructure at relatively low cost compared with other major aviation markets. It argues that the investment will strengthen Spain’s position as a preferred destination for tourists and a key hub for international air travel. The proposals will now be subject to consultation with the airline industry and must be approved within the framework known as DORA III, the regulatory document that governs Aena’s investment and tariff policy for five-year periods. Negotiations with stakeholders are expected to shape the final balance between investment, fees and service quality targets.

Looking ahead

For Spain, the plan represents more than just an upgrade of bricks and mortar. Officials say it will support economic growth, safeguard jobs and prepare the country’s airports for the challenges of the next generation of aviation, including sustainability goals and digital transformation. With almost €13 billion set to be spent, the programme is being billed as a defining moment for Spanish aviation. Whether it delivers on promises of growth while keeping costs low will depend on how successfully the government and Aena can balance the interests of airlines, passengers and the broader economy over the coming years.