The Technical Commission of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Government of Catalonia has approved the expansion project of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, promoted by Aena.According to the organization, the plan aims to reconcile the airport's development as an intercontinental hub with the preservation of the natural environment, particularly the La Ricarda lagoon.The project will be included in the investment proposal for the next regulatory period, DORA 3 (2027–2031), and involves a total investment of 3.2 billion euros, combining already planned actions with those recently agreed upon. The master plan is expected to be approved by 2028, with construction starting in 2030 and completion projected for 2033.Among the key works is the extension of the sea-facing runway (24L-06R), which will enable the infrastructure to accommodate intercontinental aircraft without restrictions. The extension will be 500 meters, bringing the total runway length to 3,160 meters. According to Aena, this will also help reduce noise impact on nearby residential areas.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg" alt="BARCELONA AEROPUERTO plano extension pista"></figure>The increased operational capacity will require the construction of a new satellite terminal, in addition to the renovation of Terminals 1 and 2 and improvements to the parking facilities and existing runway.In 2024, Barcelona-El Prat Airport handled 55.03 million passengers, marking the end of the post-pandemic recovery with a 4.5% increase over 2019. This figure brings the airport's capacity to its limit, making the expansion crucial to support its ambitions of becoming a long-haul alternative hub for Spain.By the summer of 2025, Barcelona's network of destinations outside Europe already reaches 55 cities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/red_de_destinos_fuera_de_europa_de_barcelona_el_prat_julio_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos fuera de Europa de Barcelona-El Prat - Julio 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Barcelona Airport - Network of Destinations Outside Europe - July 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Aena states that the final design reduces the impact on La Ricarda's natural area by 87 meters compared to the initial proposal. The projected runway ends before the main channel connecting the lagoon to the sea, thereby preserving the water body.The project includes complementary environmental measures, such as the restoration of more than 270 hectares of natural spaces in the Llobregat Delta — ten times the area affected — the creation of a green belt to balance agricultural and environmental uses, and a specific environmental fund to strengthen the protection of this ecosystem.These initiatives add to those Aena is already implementing in the area, such as forest management, control of invasive species, installation of nesting boxes, maintenance of drainage channels, and water resource management to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport Expansion Approved Amid Record Passenger Growth

During his 2025 State of the Nation Address, his last as President, Chilean President Gabriel Boric confirmed the future construction of a Metro line that will directly connect to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. This will be a new underground extension, known as Line 7A, departing from the future Huelén station, part of Line 7 currently under construction, located in the Cerro Navia district.<blockquote>"I am proud to announce the future arrival of the Metro at Santiago Airport from the Huelén station on Line 7. In just 7 minutes, people will be able to travel underground from Cerro Navia to the terminal," stated the President during his speech.</blockquote>The project will be fully underground, placing Santiago among global capitals with direct rail links to their main airports. Chile will become the first country in South America with a direct connection between its Metro network and its main international airport.Until now, various alternatives had been considered, such as a possible extension from Pajaritos station on Line 1 or the development of a light rail system. The presidential announcement settles the debate with a structural solution integrated into the Metro network.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZ-tZIObVS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZ-tZIObVS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">Ver esta publicación en Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZ-tZIObVS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">Una publicación compartida de Presidencia De Chile (@presidencia_cl)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>In addition to the airport link, Boric mentioned that, once funding is secured, work will begin on extending Line 4A to the Lo Espejo district and Line 2 westward toward Maipú, continuing the expansion of the metropolitan rail system.Line 7, from which the new connection will depart, is scheduled to begin operations by late 2028, linking Renca with Vitacura through 19 stations.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38982" data-title="You might be interested"></section>With this project, Santiago will join other capitals around the world that offer direct Metro access to their international airports, improving connectivity and travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Confirmed: Metro to Santiago Airport – Chile will have South America's first underground connection between a city and its main airport

Metro to Santiago Airport – Chile will have connection between a city and its main airport

Peru’s airport authority, CORPAC, has announced that maintenance work at Francisco Carlé Airport in Jauja, Junín region, has reached 40% completion as of May 19, 2025. The state-run corporation, which oversees a significant portion of the country’s airport infrastructure, credits the progress to coordinated efforts among the contractor, the supervisory firm, and CORPAC’s technical team.Current work on the runway is focused on its central third. After fully removing the existing asphalt layer, crews are now laying a stabilized base 15 centimeters thick. This foundational phase will be followed by the application of a new 4-inch layer of hot-modified asphalt, covering the entire 2,700-meter runway as part of the airport’s rehabilitation plan.On the aircraft apron, the old asphalt surface has been completely removed and replaced with high-strength concrete slabs at the two designated aircraft parking positions. This upgrade is designed to ensure safe and efficient passenger disembarkation.Meanwhile, the aircraft turning area is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul. Following the removal of the asphalt layer, a new 20-centimeter stabilized base is being installed. It will then be topped with a 4-inch layer of polymer-modified asphalt, chosen for its structural resilience in this critical maneuvering zone.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="26301" data-title="You might be interested"></section>CORPAC emphasizes that these upgrades are essential for restoring full operational capability at Francisco Carlé Airport. Once completed, the renovations will allow the resumption of commercial flights between Lima and Jauja—a vital air link for central Peru’s connectivity and a key component in strengthening the national airport network.Jauja’s terminal plays a strategic role as an alternative to Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, particularly for passengers and cargo traveling to the country’s central highlands.

Peru: Work at Francisco Carlé Airport in Jauja reaches 40% completion

A recent currency exchange incident at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport has triggered backlash from business associations and travelers, after it was revealed that a tourist received only 64,000 Chilean pesos for US$100—a rate of $640 per dollar, significantly below the official market rate of around $940.The case was made public by Juan Pablo Swett, president of the National Multi-Guild of Entrepreneurs, who shared the receipt and transaction details involving a Chinese national. The exchange was carried out by Grupo Global Exchange, a currency exchange service operating within Chile’s main airport. The exchange rate applied reflected a discrepancy of over 30% compared to the observed dollar rate, which closed on Monday, May 12, at $939.26.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">"Bienvenidos a Chile, dólar a 640 pesos" - ¿Qué imagen país estamos dando a nuestros turistas y personas que negocios al llegar a Chile? Sábado 10 de mayo, 9:00 am, una ciudadana china cambió USD 100 con la empresa Grupo Global Exchange en el aeropuerto; le dieron $64.000… <a href="https://t.co/fwd1Y7u6sl">pic.twitter.com/fwd1Y7u6sl</a>— Juan Pablo Swett (@juanpabloswett) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanpabloswett/status/1922640468896002123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The transaction also included a 4,000-peso commission, though the company later reversed the operation and refunded the original US$100 following a complaint. Still, the Multigremial warned that such practices can harm the country's image and appear to exploit the lack of information among foreign visitors arriving at the airport.Reported by Emol.com, the incident has reignited debate over the need for greater oversight and regulation of currency exchange services in airports, where offered rates often deviate significantly from official market values.Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, Chile’s primary international gateway, welcomes tens of thousands of passengers weekly during peak seasons. Unfavorable exchange rates and opaque fees can negatively impact tourist experiences and undermine the country’s reputation as a travel destination.There are now calls for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) or the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications to step in and review the contracts and operating conditions of exchange services at the airport.Swett concluded his statement by emphasizing that although the transaction was reversed, the mere fact that such incidents occur at the country’s main airport “damages Chile’s reputation among first-time visitors.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38982" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Currency Exchange Controversy at Santiago Airport Sparks Criticism Over Exploitative Rates

The Government of Chile, through the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and Metro de Santiago, is advancing studies for the development of a light rail connection between the future Huelén station on Metro Line 7 and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located in the Pudahuel district.According to Chilean media, the project could be officially announced during the President’s Annual Address on June 1, and is seen as a more cost-effective and timely alternative to previous proposals for extending the metro network to the airport.Huelén station, currently under construction, will be one terminus of Line 7, which will link the districts of Renca and Vitacura, running through western and northern Santiago. In this context, the proposed light rail aims to provide a fast, intermodal, and direct link between the metro system and the country’s main airport—without requiring underground extensions or reliance on the current bus service connecting the airport to Pajaritos station.The planned route would span approximately 6.5 to 7 kilometers from Huelén to the airport. According to sources close to the project, the estimated investment is around USD 300 million—a figure significantly lower than that of a standard metro extension, which can cost up to USD 100 million per kilometer.Unlike the metro, which is integrated into Santiago’s public transport fare system, the light rail would use a differentiated fare model, targeting primarily airport passengers. The estimated ticket price is around CLP 2,000, in line with rapid airport rail links in major global cities.French company Engie has expressed interest in participating in the project, submitting a proposal to the government based on its experience operating similar systems in Europe and Asia. While it remains undecided whether the project will be tendered or publicly executed, private sector involvement is expected to be key to its technical and financial viability.The light rail initiative is part of a broader urban mobility strategy under the Santiago 2025 Master Transportation Plan, which includes new metro lines, electric bus corridors, cycling infrastructure, and other sustainable transport solutions. Improving access to the airport is a top priority, due to rising passenger demand and the need to ease vehicular congestion.Currently, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport handles over 25 million passengers annually, and improving its ground connectivity has become a critical issue. While the airport’s road access and terminal expansion have been upgraded, authorities still seek a reliable, high-capacity transport solution with predictable travel times.The Chilean government hopes to launch a detailed technical development phase after the public announcement, including engineering studies, environmental assessments, and a finalized management model. If the project moves forward as planned, the light rail link to the airport could be operational before the end of the decade, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Santiago’s urban transport system.

Chile Plans Light Rail Link Between Metro Line 7 and Santiago Airport

Exolum will invest more than €50 million to upgrade the aviation fuel storage and distribution infrastructure at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, following the renewal of its concession awarded by AENA for a 15-year term.The project includes significant upgrades aimed at enhancing operational safety, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the company. Planned works involve updates to the hydrant system, manholes, and connection pits, as well as the modernization of pumping systems and fire protection infrastructure.The company highlights that the upgrades will feature high levels of automation, intended to improve leak prevention and increase the efficiency of fuel distribution operations at one of Spain’s busiest airports.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/repostaje_de_combustible_exolum_barcelona_el_prat_espana_1.JPG" alt="Repostaje de combustible - Exolum - Barcelona El Prat - España"><figcaption>Repostaje de combustible - Exolum - Barcelona El Prat - España</figcaption></figure>Additional investments will go towards implementing environmental safeguards and technologies to reduce the site’s carbon footprint, in line with Exolum’s sustainability objectives.Jorge Guillén, Aviation &amp; Spain Network Lead at Exolum, said “we are proud to have submitted an outstanding technical and financial offer that has allowed us to renew this concession. This project not only ensures the continuity of Exolum’s services at Barcelona Airport, one of the most important in Spain, but also strengthens our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and efficiency.”

Exolum to invest over €50 million to upgrade aviation fuel infrastructure at Barcelona Airport

Dnata to deploy 800 new ground support equipment units in 2025 as part of a $110 million expansion and sustainability program. The equipment will be distributed across ten countries, with the largest share going to the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Italy, the United States, and Singapore, in line with the company’s operational growth in those markets.The new units will be acquired through global framework agreements signed in 2024 with leading industry manufacturers. According to the company, these contracts—worth a total of $210 million—ensure long-term supply of advanced, low-emission machinery.Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata Airport Operations, stated that “our continued and substantial investment in a modern fleet reflects both the scale of our expansion and our ambition to lead the industry in operational excellence and sustainability.” He added that the company is accelerating the adoption of zero- or low-emission technologies, depending on the infrastructure available at each location.Dnata’s strategy focuses on gradually replacing diesel engines with electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered alternatives, tailored to the specific requirements of each operation.According to the company, more than 40% of its fleet in key markets such as Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom is already electric. Additionally, dnata has transitioned its non-electric fleet in Dubai to biodiesel, part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions without compromising efficiency at one of the world’s major logistics hubs.Operational efficiency is also central to dnata’s strategy. The company uses fuel consumption monitoring systems, conducts logistical mapping exercises to reduce travel distances, and optimizes shift schedules and parking spaces to minimize unnecessary fuel use.Some of the new equipment will be showcased at dnata’s stand during the Airport Show, taking place from May 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Dnata will deploy 800 new ground handling vehicles at airports in 10 countries

A large-scale electrical supply interruption affected extensive areas of Spain, Portugal, and the south of France this Monday, causing severe disruptions in the operations of key airports such as Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat. The incident, which began around noon CEST, left millions of users without service and tested the airport infrastructure.&nbsp;According to Aviación Digital, critical systems in the airports, including baggage management, security checks, and runway operations, suffered the direct consequences of the power cut. Aena, the managing entity of Spanish airports, reported failures in essential equipment at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This situation resulted in delays in baggage delivery and prolonged waits for travelers. Testimonies shared on social media describe stopped baggage carousels and, in some cases, the need for passengers to handle their luggage manually.At Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the most affected, flight cancellations and delays were registered as a result of the interruption in navigation and air traffic control systems. Aena communicated that its staff is working to restore normality as soon as possible, although without specifying a specific timeframe for the total recovery of services. At 14:20 local time, Aena updated the situation status, informing that the airports in its network are operational with contingency electrical systems, and that the impact on flights will depend on the difficulties of passengers and crews in arriving, so those who have to fly should consult with their respective airlines about the status of services.

A large-scale electrical supply interruption affected extensive areas of Spain, Portugal, and the south of France this Monday, causing severe disruptions in the operations of key airports such as Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat. The incident, which began around 12:00 CEST, left millions of users without service and tested the airport infrastructure.&nbsp;According to Aviación Digital, critical systems in the airports, including baggage management, security checks, and runway operations, suffered the direct consequences of the power cut. Aena, the managing entity of Spanish airports, reported failures in essential equipment at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This situation resulted in delays in baggage delivery and prolonged waits for travelers. Testimonies shared on social media describe stopped baggage carousels and, in some cases, the need for passengers to handle their luggage manually.&nbsp;At Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the most affected, flight cancellations and delays were registered as a result of the interruption in navigation and air traffic control systems. Aena communicated that its staff is working to restore normality as soon as possible, although without specifying a specific timeframe for the total recovery of services. The airport manager regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers.&nbsp;The impact extended beyond Spain: in Portugal, Lisbon-Humberto Delgado Airport also registered operational problems, with power cuts that impacted check-in systems and flight information screens. In France, Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport, geographically close to the possible origin of the fault, temporarily suspended some of its operations.&nbsp;Preliminary investigations into the cause of the blackout point to a failure in the European electrical interconnection network, possibly located in French territory. This event would have caused a temporary disconnection of the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of the continental electrical system. Red Eléctrica Española (REE), together with its Portuguese (REN) and French (RTE) counterparts, activated emergency protocols to manage the incident.&nbsp;Contributors to Aviacionline confirmed that the Spanish insular territory is operating normally, as the distribution fault is confined to the continent. REE reported that the supply is being restored progressively and communicated the recovery of the first interconnection line with France at 13:09 CEST. The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition is coordinating actions with REE and the distribution companies to minimize the impact.&nbsp;From Portugal, E-redes (an EDP subsidiary) indicated that the cuts were necessary measures to stabilize the national grid and that service restoration is advancing by zone. RTE in France is working on the repair of the affected very high voltage infrastructure. The areas affected by the supply cut cover numerous regions in Spain, including Madrid and Catalonia -the latter with some 645,000 subscribers without service at the peak-, in addition to areas in Portugal such as Lisbon and the Algarve, and the south of France.&nbsp;The incident generated numerous reactions from passengers on social media, where the hashtag #apagón became a trend in Spain. The complaints focused on the lack of information and the delays experienced at the airports. Emergency services attended to minor incidents, such as elevator rescues, resulting from the power outage.

Blackout in the Iberian Peninsula and France interrupts air operations

Lithuania’s Oro Navigacija (ON) has selected Saab to deploy its next-generation Digital Tower solution at Vilnius Airport, marking the first time a capital city airport will fully implement this technology.According to Saab, the system aims to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility while laying the groundwork for a centralized air traffic management system across the country. The new digital tower is based on Saab’s Integrated Digital Tower Suite (I-DTS) and will feature 4K cameras and updated controller interfaces. The system is also designed to accommodate future technologies, such as AI-based features and unmanned traffic management (UTM) services.In 2024, Vilnius airport handled 4.8 million passengers (+9%) and managed approximately 41,000 flights (+6%).The installation at Vilnius is expected to improve the availability and reliability of air traffic services and may eventually allow for the integration of Kaunas and Palanga airports into a unified national system.“I am proud that Oro Navigacija is entrusting Saab to implement our Digital Tower solution at their capital airport, Vilnius. For us, this is a journey to transform air traffic services, and I look forward to doing this with our partner ON in Lithuania,” said Per Ahl, CEO of Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/aeropuerto_de_vilna_lituania_foto_lithuanian_airports.jpg" alt="Aeropuerto de Vilna, Lituania (Foto: Lithuanian Airports)"><figcaption>Aeropuerto de Vilna, Lituania (Foto: Lithuanian Airports)</figcaption></figure>“Air traffic management is undergoing significant changes. New technologies provide opportunities to address new challenges, increase operational efficiency, and ensure the flexibility of our services, while maintaining the highest flight safety standards. The remote tower solution will help the company achieve regional leadership in innovation,” stated Saulius Batavičius, CEO of Oro Navigacija.Saab, which has already implemented digital air traffic control systems in various countries, describes its solution as contributing to safer, more efficient, and flexible airport operations.Oro Navigacija is Lithuania’s certified provider of Air Traffic Services, Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Services, and Aeronautical Information Services for aircraft operating in Lithuanian airspace, territorial waters, and its designated section of the Baltic Sea.

Vilnius Airport Becomes First Capital Airport to Fully Implement Saab Digital Tower Technology

The Miami-Dade County Commission has unanimously approved a sweeping investment exceeding $330 million to overhaul the concessions program at Miami International Airport (MIA). The initiative, led by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, aims to revamp the airport’s retail and dining experience, while also reinforcing MIA’s position as a key hub between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.The agreement secures a guaranteed investment of $267 million, with an additional $64.5 million contingent on lease extensions, according to official details. “For the first time in decades, we’ve achieved a transformative milestone for MIA—one that positions it as a world-class gateway for millions of residents and visitors,” said Cohen Higgins.The move follows months of negotiations between Cohen Higgins’ office, airport concessionaires, and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. A central component of the new model is a reallocation of concession space, with 63% dedicated to food and beverage and 37% to retail, in line with evolving passenger preferences seen at major international airports.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/aeropuerto_de_miami_estados_unidos_vista_aerea.jpg" alt="Aeropuerto de Miami - Estados Unidos - Vista aérea"></figure>The plan also includes expanded opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses, aiming to boost local economic participation. Investment requirements have been set at $850 per square foot for retail and $1,000 per square foot for food and beverage outlets, which the county notes nearly double current industry standards.The modernization will incorporate advanced technology, such as mobile ordering systems, AI-managed inventory, and multi-point-of-sale platforms, with the goal of streamlining service and improving the passenger experience. The agreement includes strict deadlines and enforcement mechanisms to ensure timely execution by concession operators.Additionally, the plan guarantees compliance with the county’s Living Wage Ordinance, requiring a minimum wage of $21.67 per hour, more than 60% above Florida’s current minimum wage.Commissioner Cohen Higgins is also overseeing upcoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for commercial spaces in the planned Terminal K, as well as vacant locations in the North Terminal and other high-traffic zones. These efforts are aimed at increasing vendor diversity and attracting innovative, global retail and dining brands.“With record-breaking growth—56 million passengers and over 3 million tons of cargo in 2024 —MIA is at a pivotal moment. To stay competitive on the global stage, we must act decisively,” Cohen Higgins stated.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/aeropuerto_de_miami_generica_pasajeros.jpg" alt="Aeropuerto de Miami - genérica pasajeros"></figure>County officials project the program will generate nearly $1 billion in revenue over the next 12 years, positioning the airport as a long-term economic engine for the region.“I want to thank my co-prime sponsor Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, and all our MIA concessionaires for their collaboration in securing this critical investment,” Cohen Higgins added.The county’s leadership sees the investment not only as an infrastructure upgrade, but as a broader strategy to drive economic development, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation within the airport environment.

Miami-Dade Approves $330 Million Overhaul of Concessions at Miami International Airport

Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a Letter of Intent with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance the construction of the new Abusera International Airport, a project valued at USD 7.8 billion designed to meet growing passenger and cargo demand.The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele and Nnenna Nwabufo, AfDB’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, at the bank's headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on March 14. Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, and other senior Ethiopian officials attended the ceremony.The new airport will be situated in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometers from the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which, according to the AfDB, is nearing its maximum annual passenger capacity of 25 million.According to the AfDB, this infrastructure will significantly stimulate regional economic growth and reinforce Ethiopia’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa. The new airport will enhance intra-African connectivity and strengthen connections between the continent and the rest of the world.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/firma_ethiopia.jpeg" alt="firma Ethiopia"></figure>AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina stated the bank's full commitment to supporting "this transformative flagship project," emphasizing Ethiopian Airlines as "a symbol of excellence and resilience in Africa."Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, described the signing as further confirmation of AfDB’s commitment to "Ethiopia’s ambitious flagship air transport project," highlighting that it will enhance Ethiopian Airlines' competitive edge in passenger and cargo services.Ethiopian Airlines Group reported record revenues of USD 7.02 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, representing a 14% year-on-year increase, having transported 17.1 million passengers.Currently, from its hub at Bole Airport, the airline serves a network of 141 destinations worldwide, operating approximately 2,500 weekly flights (arrivals and departures combined).<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/red_de_ethiopian_airlines_marzo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de Ethiopian Airlines - Marzo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>Red de Ethiopian Airlines - Marzo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>Last week, the company also announced its expansion into Vietnam, with flights to Hanoi starting in July.Its fleet consists of the following:<ul><li>51 Boeing 737 MAX 8 (plus 32 pending delivery)</li><li>20 Airbus A350-900 (plus 11 pending)</li><li>29 DHC-8-400</li><li>10 Boeing 787-9 (plus 11 pending)</li><li>19 Boeing 787-8</li><li>11 Boeing 777-200LRF (plus one pending)</li><li>6 Boeing 737-800</li><li>6 Boeing 777-200LR</li><li>5 Boeing 767-300ERF</li><li>5 Boeing 777-300ER</li><li>4 Boeing 737-800SF</li><li>3 Airbus A350-1000 (plus one pending)</li><li>2 Boeing 737-700</li></ul>The fleet's mean age is 8.3 years.

A new USD 7.8 billion global hub for Africa: Ethiopian Airlines signs key financing agreement

London Heathrow Airport is a critical hub for global air connectivity and trade, with over 1,300 flights landing and departing daily.This makes the airport’s operational shutdown until 11:59 PM this Friday—due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation on Thursday night—an unprecedented disruption for both passengers and airlines.Heathrow by the Numbers<ul><li>For Friday, March 21, 1,330 scheduled passenger flights (arrivals and departures) were planned according to <a href="https://www.cirium.com">Cirium</a>.</li><li>Heathrow’s global network includes 208 destinations:<ul><li>78 in Europe</li><li>38 in North America</li><li>37 in Asia</li><li>16 in Latin America and the Caribbean</li><li>14 in Africa</li><li>12 in the UK</li><li>11 in the Middle East</li><li>2 in Oceania</li></ul></li><li>77 airlines operate scheduled passenger flights.</li><li>83.9 million passengers passed through Heathrow in 2024 (+6% compared to 2023).<ul><li>Of this total, 74.9 million were international passengers.</li></ul></li><li>In 2024, Heathrow was the fifth busiest airport globally by passenger numbers and the second busiest considering international traffic.</li><li>British Airways accounts for 47% of seat capacity and 51% of flights. Virgin Atlantic followed, far behind, with 7% of seats and 5% of scheduled flights.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/red_de_destinos_de_londres_heathrow_marzo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de destinos de Londres-Heathrow - Marzo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)"><figcaption>London-Heathrow network - March 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure><ul><li>Average load factor was 80.7%, with 220.6 occupied seats per flight on average.</li><li>Heathrow handled 1,580,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024 (+10.4% compared to the previous year).</li><li>Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited, the airport’s operator, reported revenues of £3.559 billion (-4% vs. 2023):<ul><li>£2.229 billion from aeronautical sources.</li><li>£772 million from retail.</li><li>£558 million from other non-aeronautical sources.</li></ul></li><li>Operating costs reached £1.524 billion (+5%).</li><li>Net profits amounted to £644 million (£78 million higher than 2023).</li></ul>Heathrow Airport is operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited, owned by the consortium FGP Topco Limited, whose shareholders include Ardian (22.61%), Qatar Investment Authority (20%), Public Investment Fund (15.01%), GIC (11.2%), Australian Retirement Trust (11.18%), China Investment Corporation (10%), Ferrovial (5.25%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ, 2.65%), and Universities Superannuation Scheme (2.1%).<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/vuelos_hacia_londres_heathrow_momentos_antes_del_cierre_a_las_240_am_utc_del_21mar2025_via_airnavradar.jpg" alt="Vuelos hacia Londres-Heathrow momentos antes del cierre, a las 2:40 AM UTC del 21MAR2025 (via AirNavRadar)"><figcaption>Flights to Londres-Heathrow at 2:40 AM UTC 21MAR2025 (via AirNavRadar)</figcaption></figure>

Heathrow by the Numbers: Anatomy of a Paused Global Hub

The access bridge to Jorge Chávez International Airport will not be completed by 2027 as previously announced by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC). Instead, the project is now set for delivery in 2029, according to an official agreement between the MTC and Lima Airport Partners (LAP).According to the MTC-LAP agreement (January 2025), the bridge is expected to be completed in January 2029, contradicting previous public statements by Minister Pérez Reyes, who had promised completion between 2026 and 2027. The original contract had set 2021 as the delivery date, highlighting a total delay of eight years.<h3>Concerns Over Temporary Bridges</h3>Meanwhile, Ositran has warned that the current modular bridges could become overwhelmed by 2028—or even sooner—due to:<ul><li>Limited capacity (2 lanes) vs. expanded 3-lane roads, creating a "bottleneck" effect.</li><li>Unanticipated traffic demand, with maximum speeds of just 20 km/h on the bridges.</li></ul>Authorities have noted that mitigation measures (such as traffic signals and signage) will not be sufficient if demand exceeds projections. Additionally, a clause waiving compensation claims until 2029 suggests preemptive acknowledgment of potential legal disputes over delays.<h3>Critical Implications</h3><ul><li>Road safety: Severe congestion and increased accident risks.</li><li>Airport operations: Potential disruption to logistics and passenger experiences.</li><li>Economic costs: Accumulated delays could impact airport-related investments.</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/09/Jorge-Chavez.jpg" alt="Lima Airport"></figure><h3>Key Causes of the Delay</h3><ol><li>Design and engineering issues: Initial planning deficiencies, including errors in technical studies that hindered project execution.</li><li>Land acquisition difficulties: Prolonged delays due to disputes over acquiring necessary land and conflicts with existing infrastructure.</li><li>Project management changes: The project was reassigned to PMO Vías after previous management failures, signaling institutional instability and multiple planning restarts.</li><li>Contractual deadline extensions: Agreements between MTC and LAP formally pushed the delivery date to January 2029, acknowledging the inability to meet previous targets (2021 and later 2027).</li><li>Budget reprioritization: While the MTC allocated S/110.5 million for the project in 2024, past resource reallocation to high-impact social and economic projects may have slowed progress.</li></ol><h3>Economic Impact of the Santa Rosa Bridge Delay</h3><h4>Logistics Connectivity Challenges</h4><ul><li>Overloaded temporary bridges (2 lanes) will create severe bottlenecks, slowing airport access and reducing cargo transport speeds to 10-20 km/h.</li><li>Increased operational costs for businesses reliant on airport logistics and exporters.</li></ul><h4>Risk of Economic Penalties</h4><ul><li>The Peruvian government could face compensation claims from Lima Airport Partners (LAP) of up to USD 400 million if the delay surpasses agreed deadlines (initially 2021, later extended to 2025).</li><li>These funds could otherwise be directed toward local development projects.</li></ul><h4>Impact on Tourism and International Events</h4><ul><li>Severe congestion could disrupt operations at the new airport terminal (opening in 2025), which is critical for the 2027 Pan American Games.</li><li>This event is projected to contribute +0.5% to national GDP, but success depends on functional infrastructure.</li></ul><h4>Investment Deterrents</h4><ul><li>Inefficient airport access could reduce Lima-Callao’s appeal as a regional logistics hub, influencing multinational companies' decisions.</li></ul><h4>Rising Budget Costs</h4><ul><li>The MTC has allocated an additional S/367 million in 2025 to accelerate the Santa Rosa Expressway and bridge construction—funds that could have been used for social or economic projects.</li></ul><h4>Impact on Employment</h4><ul><li>While the project is expected to generate 3,000 direct jobs, prolonged delays create job uncertainty and weaken the expected economic ripple effects in local commerce and services.</li></ul><h3>Broader Economic Consequences</h3>The eight-year delay in the Santa Rosa Bridge project is projected to cost 1.2% of annual regional GDP, considering indirect impacts on productivity and international trade.

Jorge Chávez Airport Access Bridge Delayed Until 2029

At airports in Portugal, specifically in Porto and Faro, three large aircraft have been abandoned by their owners. Among them is a Boeing 727, which for many years was linked to the former Vice President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with two Airbus A319 jets that previously operated for White Airways.Faced with this situation, airport operator ANA has expressed concerns to the government about abandoned aircraft occupying valuable space and posing environmental risks. As a result, authorities are considering amending public airport regulations to allow ANA to remove these aircraft.According to ECO, under the proposed new guidelines, an aircraft that remains parked continuously for more than 90 days or has accumulated unpaid fees equivalent to 30 days of use may be considered improperly stationed, as reported by our partner outlet <a href="https://aeroin.net/avioes-abandonados-em-aeroportos-portugueses-incluindo-um-boeing-727-vip-podem-ser-apreendidos/">Aeroin</a>.The owner would then have 60 days to remove the aircraft. If they fail to do so, the aircraft may be declared abandoned and transferred to the State, specifically to the Federal Revenue Service.<h3>More Abandoned Aircraft</h3>The case of the Boeing 727, parked at Faro Airport since 2007, is well known. This aircraft, which originally entered service in 1965 with Lufthansa, was later owned by Jean-Pierre Bemba, whose plane was seized at the request of the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court due to war crime accusations.During the same operation, authorities also confiscated assets including a house in Quinta do Lago, two luxury cars, and a yacht. Jean-Pierre Bemba was arrested in 2008 and spent ten years in prison. After his release, he returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister by President Félix Tshisekedi in 2023. He currently serves as the Minister of Transport.The two Airbus A319 are located at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and are relatively newer. They were previously operated by White Airways under an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) lease but were grounded when the airline suspended its operations.

Three Large Aircraft Abandoned at Airports in Portugal

The UK government has given its provisional support for the construction of a second runway at Gatwick Airport, the country's second-busiest airport, provided certain conditions—such as noise reduction—are met. The decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups.In a statement, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her inclination to approve the project, which involves shifting Gatwick’s northern reserve runway, currently used for taxiing and backup operations.The original plan, initially rejected and later reviewed by planning inspectors, could face a delay of up to nine months before receiving final approval.Under the new conditions, at least 50% of passengers traveling through Gatwick must use public transport. Additionally, the airport will need to implement measures to mitigate noise impact.Located about 65 kilometers south of London, Gatwick serves more than 40 million passengers annually and is the busiest single-runway airport in the UK, second only to Heathrow in total operations.<h3>Safety Standards and Runway Adjustments</h3>To meet international safety standards, the project involves shifting the emergency runway 12 meters north of the main runway. This would allow it to be used for takeoffs by narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.<h3>Investment and Economic Benefits</h3>The expansion, which will be privately funded with an estimated budget of £2.2 billion ($2.8 billion), could be completed before the end of the decade if construction begins this year.The project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 100,000 additional flights per year, bringing the total to over 380,000 annual operations. Additionally, it is projected to create 14,000 jobs and generate an economic boost of £1 billion ($1.26 billion) annually.Gatwick, whose majority shareholder is French company VINCI Airports, has until April 24 to formally respond to the new conditions. The government's final decision is expected soon after, though the deadline has been extended to October 27.<h3>Reactions and Environmental Debate</h3>Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate welcomed the government’s preliminary backing, stating that the airport would actively engage in the approval process."By strengthening our capacity and operational resilience, we can solidify the UK's position as a key global connectivity hub and contribute to regional and national economic growth," he said.However, environmental groups have voiced strong opposition. Greenpeace UK criticized the government's stance, arguing that airport expansion would not drive economic growth but instead increase air pollution, noise, and carbon emissions."This decision appears to be an act of desperation that ignores the evidence on aviation’s environmental impact," said Doug Parr, Policy Director at Greenpeace UK.The announcement comes just weeks after the government approved the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, as part of its strategy to boost economic growth in the country.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36128" data-title="You might be interested"></section>

UK Government Gives Provisional Backing to Second Runway at Gatwick Airport

Airports Council International (ACI) World has released its Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053 report, projecting that global passenger traffic will reach 17.7 billion in 2043 and 22.3 billion in 2053—a 2.4-fold increase compared to 2024 levels.The report covers 161 countries, accounting for 99.8% of global air travel markets, and forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2043, and 3% from 2024 to 2053. According to ACI World, this steady growth will be driven by rising demand in emerging markets, stronger international traffic, and airport infrastructure investments.<h3>Short-Term Challenges</h3>The organization warns that industry growth could face short-term disruptions due to:<ul><li>Geopolitical tensions</li><li>Economic instability</li><li>Shifts in trade policies</li><li>Supply chain disruptions</li></ul><blockquote>"Despite current challenges, global air traffic is on track for sustained and steady growth," said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. "It is crucial for airports, airlines, and policymakers to take a bold, forward-thinking approach to anticipate and meet future demands."</blockquote><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/05/los-angeles-estados-unidos-generica-pasajeros-aeropuerto.jpg" alt="los angeles estados unidos generica pasajeros aeropuerto"></figure><h3>Long-Term Growth Trends</h3><ul><li>Faster Growth in International Travel: International passenger traffic is expected to grow at a 3.3% annual rate, outpacing domestic traffic, which is projected to grow at 2.8% annually between 2024 and 2053.</li><li>Expansion in Emerging Markets: Growth in these regions will be fueled by a rising middle class and increasing air travel demand, with infrastructure investments playing a key role.</li><li>Air Cargo Traffic Growth: ACI forecasts a CAGR of 2.7% until 2043 and 2.4% until 2053, although trade policy changes and supply chain issues may create volatility.</li><li>Increase in Aircraft Movements: Aircraft movements are expected to reach 149 million in 2043 and 176 million in 2053, requiring greater investment in operational efficiency and airport expansion worldwide.</li></ul><h3>AI-Enhanced Forecasting</h3><a href="https://store.aci.aero/product/aci-world-airport-traffic-forecasts-2024-2053/?_cldee=URyG9irNh6gf9V9TxnT_9zg08YZRNnI_S5z_2i8NxgNeWnrNlAlwjAD8dvEL6gHZ&amp;recipientid=lead-9e26ce5366cbe911a812000d3af3afcd-50e02cbd87cc4deea510814d29a048ad&amp;esid=5f925ded-95f0-ef11-be20-002248aff2cc">ACI World stated that its report</a>—priced between $2,150 and $4,850, depending on the customer type—provides detailed forecasts on total passenger traffic (international and domestic), air cargo volume, and aircraft movements. It also introduces a new AI-based methodology to improve projection accuracy and support strategic decision-making in the industry.

Airports Council International Forecasts Global Passenger Traffic to Reach 22.3 Billion by 2053

The resurfacing works on a section of the Mount Pleasant Complex airfield in the Malvinas have been completed ahead of schedule, according to a report by the UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The £20 million (~USD 25 million) project covered the renovation of 20,000 square meters of operational surface, using high-quality asphalt produced on the island via a dedicated mixing plant set up specifically for this work.Mount Pleasant serves as the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in the Malvinas, operating regular flights to Argentina, Chile, and the United Kingdom. Managed by the UK Strategic Command, the base remains a key asset for the UK Ministry of Defence, particularly after the 1982 war with Argentina, during which the islands briefly returned to South American control.<h2>A Complex Logistical Effort</h2>The contract for the works was awarded in October to Mitie by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), with the participation of several UK-based subcontractors, some of whom had previously worked on the resurfacing of the Alpha Loop taxiway last year. The project included resurfacing the Foxtrot taxiway and the runway threshold, the area where aircraft make contact upon landing. Due to the airfield’s remote location, all equipment and materials were shipped from the United Kingdom, covering a distance of 8,000 nautical miles.Major Brad Southall, project manager at DIO, highlighted the logistical and operational challenges, stating:<blockquote>“Any construction project in the Malvinas can be complicated due to significant logistical challenges, and in this case, the need to complete the work before the Southern Hemisphere winter, when conditions make construction impossible. Maintaining airfield operations during the works was also a particular challenge.”</blockquote>Meanwhile, Brigadier Daniel Duff, commander of the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), added:<blockquote>“We are pleased that the runway works have progressed so well, despite the significant challenges of executing a project in these islands. Of course, this was no coincidence, and the entire execution team worked closely with multiple BFSAI departments. It has been a true joint effort.”</blockquote>From Mitie, the company responsible for the project, Charlie Antelme, General Manager of Defence, stated:<blockquote>“This project has been a truly collaborative effort, and everyone’s dedication is reflected in its early completion before winter. This is the latest of our modernization projects at Mount Pleasant Complex, and we look forward to continuing large-scale projects in support of the UK Armed Forces, both in the South Atlantic and at other Defence sites in the UK and abroad.”</blockquote><h2>Military Oversight and Air Connectivity</h2>The project was supported by the 8 Engineer Brigade Royal Engineers, whose personnel oversaw quality control and facilitated coordination between the construction team and airfield staff, ensuring that air operations continued without prolonged disruptions.AirTanker operates a twice-weekly air transport service between Brize Norton (UK) and Mount Pleasant International Airport (MPN) in the Malvinas, with a stopover at Ascension Island. Additionally, LATAM Airlines runs a weekly flight between Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Mount Pleasant (MPN), with a stop in Punta Arenas (PUQ). Once a month, the route includes an additional stop in Río Gallegos (RGL), Argentina.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a weekly flight between São Paulo, Brazil, and the Malvinas (with a monthly stop in Córdoba, Argentina) was also in operation, but it has yet to resume.

Runway Resurfacing at Mount Pleasant Complex in the Malvinas Islands Completed Ahead of Schedule

Aena's managed airports closed January 2025 with 24,999,784 passengers, marking a 6.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the company. Additionally, there were 222,696 aircraft movements (+3.6%) and 108,164 tons of cargo transported (+5.6%).<h2>Passenger Growth Across Spain</h2>In Spain, Aena airports handled 19,801,425 passengers in January, reflecting a 6.1% year-over-year increase. The number of flights reached 174,488 (+5.2%), while cargo traffic totaled 95,824 tons (+4.4%).<h3>Top Airports by Passenger Traffic (January 2025):</h3><ol><li>Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas – 5,198,143 passengers (+8.4%)</li><li>Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat – 3,695,529 passengers (+5.4%)</li><li>Gran Canaria – 1,370,749 passengers (+6.2%)</li><li>Málaga-Costa del Sol – 1,369,837 passengers (+1.9%)</li><li>Tenerife Sur – 1,287,940 passengers (+6.8%)</li></ol>Aena highlighted that 20 of its airports set record-breaking January passenger figures, including Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Gran Canaria, Málaga, Tenerife Sur, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Lanzarote, Sevilla, and Ibiza, among others.<h2>Aircraft Movements and Cargo Traffic</h2>Madrid-Barajas recorded the highest number of flights, followed by Barcelona-El Prat and Gran Canaria:<h3>Top Airports by Aircraft Movements (January 2025):</h3><ol><li>Madrid-Barajas: 33,811 flights (+6.9%)</li><li>Barcelona-El Prat: 24,585 flights (+4.1%)</li><li>Gran Canaria: 12,170 flights (+6.3%)</li></ol><h3>Top Airports by Cargo Traffic (January 2025):</h3><ol><li>Madrid-Barajas: 58,850 tons (+6.9%)</li><li>Barcelona-El Prat: 13,399 tons (-1.8%)</li><li>Zaragoza: 11,597 tons (+7.5%)</li><li>Vitoria: 5,732 tons (-3.9%)</li></ol>According to Aena, January 2025 recorded the highest cargo volume in its network’s history.<h2>Passenger Growth in Brazil and London-Luton</h2>Aena’s 17 airports in Brazil handled 4,070,518 passengers in January 2025, marking a 5% increase over the same period in 2024. However, aircraft movements declined by 3.4%, while cargo traffic surged by 18.2%.<h3>Grupo ANB (Northeast Brazil Airports Group):</h3><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Aena-Brasil-generica-aracaju.jpeg" alt="Aena Brasil generica aracaju"></figure><ul><li>Total passengers: 1,646,383 (+2.3%)<ul><li>Recife Airport: 948,273 passengers (+1.5%)</li></ul></li><li>Aircraft movements: 14,526 flights (-4.3%)<ul><li>Recife: 8,154 flights (-4.3%)</li></ul></li><li>Cargo transported: 5,511 tons (+23.4%)<ul><li>Recife: 4,520 tons (+23%)</li></ul></li></ul><h3>Grupo BOAB (Bloco dos Onze Airports Group):</h3><ul><li>Total passengers: 2,424,135 (+7%)<ul><li>Congonhas Airport (São Paulo): 2,049,846 passengers (+6.2%)</li></ul></li><li>Aircraft movements: 24,505 flights (-2.8%)<ul><li>Congonhas: 18,211 flights (-5.3%)</li></ul></li><li>Cargo transported: 4,541 tons (+12.5%)<ul><li>Congonhas: 3,991 tons (+18.8%)</li></ul></li></ul>Meanwhile, London-Luton Airport, also operated by Aena, recorded 1,127,841 passengers in January, an 11.9% increase compared to the same period last year.<h2>Summer 2025 Flight Schedule</h2>Looking ahead to the summer 2025 season (March 30 – October 25), Aena reported that airlines have scheduled 246.8 million seats, reflecting a 1.5% increase from 2024.Planned flight operations are expected to reach 1.4 million, representing a 1.2% increase. According to Aena, the fastest-growing markets include:<ul><li>Asia-Pacific: +38.9%</li><li>North America: +8.7%</li><li>Latin America: +6.1%</li></ul><h3>Top Airports by Scheduled Seats for Summer 2025:</h3><ol><li>Madrid-Barajas: 48 million seats</li><li>Barcelona-El Prat: 42.9 million seats</li><li>Palma de Mallorca: 33.3 million seats</li></ol>The top five countries by seat capacity are Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France.Aena emphasized that seat and flight schedules are subject to adjustments by airlines.

Airports

Barcelona-El Prat Airport Expansion Approved Amid Record Passenger Growth

Metro to Santiago Airport – Chile will have connection between a city and its main airport

Peru: Work at Francisco Carlé Airport in Jauja reaches 40% completion

Currency Exchange Controversy at Santiago Airport Sparks Criticism Over Exploitative Rates

Chile Plans Light Rail Link Between Metro Line 7 and Santiago Airport

Exolum to invest over €50 million to upgrade aviation fuel infrastructure at Barcelona Airport

Dnata will deploy 800 new ground handling vehicles at airports in 10 countries

Blackout in the Iberian Peninsula and France interrupts air operations

Vilnius Airport Becomes First Capital Airport to Fully Implement Saab Digital Tower Technology

Miami-Dade Approves $330 Million Overhaul of Concessions at Miami International Airport

A new USD 7.8 billion global hub for Africa: Ethiopian Airlines signs key financing agreement

Heathrow by the Numbers: Anatomy of a Paused Global Hub

Jorge Chávez Airport Access Bridge Delayed Until 2029

Three Large Aircraft Abandoned at Airports in Portugal

UK Government Gives Provisional Backing to Second Runway at Gatwick Airport

Airports Council International Forecasts Global Passenger Traffic to Reach 22.3 Billion by 2053

Runway Resurfacing at Mount Pleasant Complex in the Malvinas Islands Completed Ahead of Schedule

Aena Airports Handle Nearly 25 Million Passengers in January 2025, Up 6.2%

Más Leídas de Airports

Barcelona-El Prat Airport Expansion Approved Amid Record Passenger Growth