- Around 2,000 people marched against Barcelona airport expansion
- Protest organised by Zeroport platform
- Concerns include mass tourism, environmental damage and climate impact
- Aena’s €1.765bn DORA III programme includes €191.25m for preparatory measures
- Debate splits regional business leaders and local communities
An estimated 2,000 people marched through the streets of Barcelona on Sunday 20 September 2026 to protest the proposed expansion of the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Organised by the Zeroport platform under the slogan No to the expansion, not now nor ever, the demonstration brought together over 200 environmental, neighbourhood and trade-union groups. Pressure groups opposed to the plan expressed profound frustration over several core issues.
Protesters carried signs such as Sorry tourist, Barcelona is already sold out, arguing that the city cannot handle further unsustainable tourism. The rapid rise in visitor numbers has significantly driven up housing costs and overcrowded daily residential areas. Activists warn that extending the runway by 500 metres will heavily damage protected natural areas, including the fragile wetlands of the Llobregat Delta and local wildlife habitats. Opponents highlighted that rising flight counts would trigger a severe increase in aviation greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The protests were reignited by discussions surrounding airport operator Aena’s €1.765bn DORA III investment programme covering 2027 to 2031. While the actual 500-metre runway extension is currently excluded from the immediate construction schedule, €191.25m has been allocated for preparatory measures tied to a potential future expansion. The debate splits the region. Business leaders and Catalan regional president Salvador Illa support the long-term expansion to boost international connectivity and economic growth while local communities and left-leaning political parties argue that expanding a hub that already hit a record 57.48m passengers in 2025 is unfeasible.
