Barcelona–Tokyo: Illa promotes creation of new flight with institutional and business support
During his official visit to Japan, the president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, promoted the creation of a direct flight between Barcelona and Tokyo, an initiative aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties between Catalonia and Japan.
On his first day in Tokyo, Illa met with Vice Governor Akiko Matsumoto to discuss the feasibility of this air connection. According to statements reported by Agencia EFE, the Catalan president said efforts have been underway for some time to establish the route, emphasizing that favorable conditions exist for its profitability due to passenger volume and economic and tourist interest.
“We are aware that this is a demand that would naturally help and reinforce the ties already being strengthened between Catalonia and Japan,” he said.
The project is supported by the Air Routes Development Committee (CDRA), made up of the Barcelona City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and AENA, which is studying the viability of the route. Catalan businesspeople with a presence in Japan have also voiced their support, believing that a more direct connection would facilitate commercial and tourism relations.
Illa stressed that the final decision lies with the airlines but assured that the Catalan government will provide all possible support to facilitate its implementation. He also clarified that this initiative is not tied to the expansion of Barcelona El Prat Airport, as they are separate matters.
This trip marks the first visit by a Catalan president to Japan in 17 years and reflects Catalonia’s growing interest in strengthening international relations.
Currently, Spain and Japan are connected by only one nonstop flight, operated by Iberia between Madrid and Tokyo three times a week since October 2024, after being suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport does offer a decent number of flights to other destinations in the Far East, mainly in China, including:
- Barcelona – Beijing: one daily flight by Air China with A350-900
- Barcelona – Shanghai: three weekly flights by Air China with A350-900
- Barcelona – Hong Kong: three weekly flights by Cathay Pacific with A350-900
- Barcelona – Seoul: five weekly flights by Asiana with A350-900
- Barcelona – Seoul: four weekly flights by T’way with A330-200
- Barcelona – Shenzhen: three weekly flights by Shenzhen Airlines with A330-300
EFE also notes that Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, held meetings this month with representatives from All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines to encourage them to launch operations in Spain due to the growing demand for travel in both directions.
Currently, the presence of both airlines in Europe includes Stockholm, Brussels, Paris-CDG, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Istanbul, London-Heathrow, Munich, Milan-Malpensa, and Vienna, operating a combined average of 80 weekly flights.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
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