# Spanish airport expansion protests and environmental push > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-airport-expansion-protests > Updated: 2026-09-15T22:30:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3. Social and ecological organizations in Spain have organized a series of coordinated protests to oppose airport expansion projects. In Barcelona, activists are mobilizing against the proposed expansion of Barcelona-El Prat Airport, citing environmental risks and threats to the living conditions of the Catalan population. In Ibiza, the Asociación de Joves d’Eivissa is protesting plans to increase boarding gates and VIP areas, arguing that increased capacity will exacerbate tourism pressure on essential services. In the Balearic Islands, a coalition of approximately fifteen organizations, including Greenpeace and GOB, has organized a demonstration in Palma against the expansion of Son Sant Joan airport. This movement specifically opposes the Airport Regulation Document (DORA III) for the 2027-2031 period, which outlines investments across Palma, Ibiza, and Menorca. Under the proposed plan, Palma Airport would receive 622 million euros in investment to increase its annual capacity from 33.8 million to 35.7 million passengers by 2031. Recent scrutiny has intensified following a study by Transport & Environment (T&E), which indicates that CO2 emissions from aviation in Spain are growing faster than in any other major EU country. The proposed expansion of twelve facilities, including Madrid-Barajas, Málaga, and the aforementioned Balearic hubs, could add 35 million tons of CO2. Critics of the DORA III plan describe the projected growth as a “step backward” that contradicts climate commitments. Furthermore, the DESCA Observatory warns that expanding Barcelona-El Prat could increase pollutant emissions by 21.8% by 2033. While operators suggest sustainable fuels will mitigate impacts, environmental groups argue these measures will not offset the massive increase in flight volume. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Spain airport expansion plans spark environmental and political backlash Spanish airport expansion plans face backlash as studies warn of surging CO2 emissions and conflicts with climate targets, particularly in the Balearic Islands and Barcelona. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-prat-airport-expansion-projected-to-increase-emissions-by-22 ### 2026-09-12: Palma Airport expansion faces organized protest from environmental groups Environmental groups and local entities have called for a protest in Palma on September 20 to oppose Aena's plan to expand the capacity of the Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca airports. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palma-airport-expansion-protests-planned-for-september ### 2026-09-01: Spanish activists protest airport expansions in Barcelona and Ibiza Protests are scheduled for September 20 in Spain as activists oppose airport expansion projects in Barcelona and Ibiza, citing environmental risks and excessive tourism pressure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-activists-protest-airport-expansions-in-barcelona-and-ibiza --- Cite as: Spanish airport expansion protests and environmental push. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-airport-expansion-protests