Thousands Protest Airport Expansion Plans in Spanish Tourist Hotspots

Thousands of protesters marched through popular tourist destinations in Spain, including Barcelona, Palma in Mallorca, and Ibiza Town, to voice their opposition to planned airport expansion projects. The demonstrations, which occurred Sunday, expressed concerns that the expansions would exacerbate overtourism in areas already struggling with the influx of visitors.

In Barcelona, local police reported 5,500 participants, though organizers claimed the number was closer to 30,000. The protest in the city, supported by over 250 organizations and 150 academics, marched under the slogan "No to expansion, neither now nor never." Among the participating groups were environmental activists, transport advocates, educators, and health professionals. Banners displayed messages such as "fewer planes, more life," "Commuter trains for the people, not airports for the 1 per cent," and "Listen to science, this is an emergency."

The mayor of El Prat de Llobregat, Alba Bou, expressed disappointment with the expansion proposals for El Prat airport, stating they would not benefit ordinary people or future generations. The protest in Barcelona follows a similar demonstration five years prior and comes as the Spanish airport authority Aena's 2027-2031 investment plan, which includes airport expansion preparations, has been approved.

In Mallorca's capital, Palma, hundreds gathered to protest against proposed increases in the capacity of Son Sant Joan Airport. Demonstrators called for a reduction in flights and a shift towards a tourism model that eases pressure on the island. Pere Joan Femenia, a spokesperson for the platform against the airport expansion, stated that the Balearic Islands are "at the limit." Aena maintains that planned actions at the airports are necessary upgrades and adaptations to meet changing demands, not solely to increase holidaymaker numbers.

Protesters in Palma also demanded a limit on private aviation, the approval of an airport co-management law for the Balearic Islands, an end to night flights due to noise pollution for residents, and a halt to the promotion of new air routes. They emphasized the need for the islands to regulate airport capacity based on tourist and environmental pressures.

In Ibiza, the Associació Joves d'Eivissa organized a demonstration against Aena's plans to expand the local airport. Demonstrators rejected the proposed increase in boarding gates from 17 to 32, the expansion of VIP areas, and the creation of a specific zone for non-Schengen flights, arguing these changes would strain territory and public services. Aena contends that the refurbishment will not increase the airfield's overall capacity or hourly take-offs and landings, explaining the gate expansion is to segregate Schengen and non-Schengen traffic and comply with European safety regulations.

The demonstrations were largely peaceful, with no arrests reported. The protests reflect growing local discontent with the impacts of mass tourism on infrastructure, environment, and quality of life in popular Spanish destinations.