August passenger count rose by 7%, reaching 2.44 million compared to the previous year
In August 2025, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport led the way in Spain with a staggering 2.1 million passengers, followed closely by the Balearic Islands' airports with 2.5 million passengers and the Community of Madrid with 2.3 million. This marks a significant 7% increase in passengers compared to the previous year, according to recent data.
El Prat airport's success is not limited to August alone. Catalan airports served over 2.4 million international passengers in August 2025, a 7% increase from 2024. The airport handled nearly 90% of the passengers in Catalonia, making it the primary hub for air travel in the region.
The surge in passenger numbers has prompted the announcement of an ambitious investment plan for El Prat airport. The plan, part of the DORA III initiative presented by Pedro Sánchez, aims to boost competitiveness, business, and job creation. The investment, expected to exceed 3 billion euros, will be spread over several consecutive cycles, between 2027 and 2031.
The plan includes the reconfiguration of terminals T1 and T2, improvements to T2 car parks, and expansion of the runway and satellite. Additionally, the acquisition of necessary land and measures for environmental compensation are part of the plan. Notably, the current year (2025) is not included in the investment plan.
The finalization of the government's plan is expected within the next 12 months, after which the Civil Aviation Authority (CNMC) will decide whether to approve the final plan following consultations with airlines. The renovation of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport by Aena is scheduled to be completed by 2026, with construction work having started in 2022.
El Prat airport remains the leading airport in Spain in terms of users opting for low-cost companies. In August 2025, over 1.4 million passengers chose low-cost carriers, representing an 8% monthly increase from 2024. This trend continues, with El Prat airport being the first airport in Spain in terms of users opting for low-cost companies, with over 1.4 million travelers.
Catalonia is the second autonomous community in Spain in terms of destination, with nearly 21% of the total passengers. In the year-to-date, 15.7 million international travelers arrived in Catalonia by air, a 6.3% increase from August 2024. Over 90% of these travelers had El Prat as their destination, with 14.4 million travelers.
As El Prat airport continues to grow and adapt, it is clear that its role as a key player in Spain's aeronautical network is secure. The investment plan, once approved, will ensure that the airport can meet the demands of its ever-increasing passenger numbers and continue to drive economic growth in the region.
