Spanish activists protest airport expansions in Barcelona and Ibiza

Social organizations and platforms in Spain have called for demonstrations on September 20 to protest proposed airport expansions in Barcelona and Ibiza.

In Barcelona, the Zeroport platform and other social organizations are mobilizing against the expansion of Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Activists argue the project, supported by the PSC and PSOE, poses significant risks to the environment and the living conditions of the Catalan population. While a previous expansion attempt in 2021 was halted due to social and political pressure, current investment plans are reportedly estimated at 3.2 billion euros, up from 1.7 billion euros five years ago.

Simultaneously, the Asociación de Joves d’Eivissa (AJE) has organized a protest in Ibiza against AENA’s expansion project. Opponents aim to prevent the increase of boarding gates from 17 to 32 and the expansion of VIP areas. Protesters argue that increasing airport capacity will exacerbate tourism pressure on the island, leading to the deterioration of essential services such as healthcare, mobility, and territorial management.