Aena Pledges Overhaul of Sabadell Airport by 2026, Addressing Connectivity and Expansion Challenges
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Aena, the Spanish airport authority, has committed to a significant revitalization of the Sabadell Airport, aiming for a comprehensive overhaul by the first half of 2026. The pledge, made during an informational meeting this Thursday, signals a renewed focus on bolstering the infrastructure despite current investment plans that exclude the airport.
Strategic Review and Future Growth
According to a statement released following the meeting, Aena will initiate a review of the airport’s current director plan, originally approved in 2001, to unlock opportunities for growth. While the airport is not included in Aena’s DORA III investment plan covering 2027-2031, the authority has assured representatives of the Sabadell Chamber of Commerce of its intention to enhance the facility.
Currently, the Sabadell Airport ranks as the second busiest airport in Spain for general aviation, trailing only Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, handling approximately 60,000 operations annually. It has also established itself as a key hub for aeronautical services and boasts a well-regarded aeroclub. More than 400 people are employed at the airport, according to reports.
Addressing Key Limitations
Despite its positive attributes, the airport faces two primary obstacles: inadequate connectivity and limited space for expansion. The planned update to the director plan is expected to prioritize improvements to road access and an expansion of the airport’s usable area, with the goal of attracting increased business activity. “The Sabadell Airport must be seen as the airport of the Vallès,” stated a senior official, emphasizing the airport’s potential to serve the broader regional economy.
Regional Infrastructure Concerns
The discussion extended beyond the airport itself, highlighting broader infrastructure needs in the Vallès region. A leading voice from the Chamber of Commerce stressed the “necessary execution” of the B-40 and Ronda Nord road projects, alongside advocating for the Horta tunnel as a crucial infrastructure component. These pending projects were directly linked to what the chamber described as the historical underfunding of the territory.
Data reveals that over the past 25 years, the Vallès Occidental region has been the second-highest recipient of total investment, surpassed only by Barcelonès. However, when considering investment per capita, the region falls to 35th position. The Chamber of Sabadell argues this disparity is “unfair,” particularly given that the second metropolitan ring absorbs a significant portion of the industry and population growth exceeding Barcelona’s capacity. [A chart illustrating the investment per capita comparison would be beneficial here.]
Chamber of Commerce Expansion
In related news, the Chamber of Commerce of Sabadell announced an 11% increase in its budget for 2026. The organization reported closing the previous year with a balanced budget and a marked increase in activity related to free programs focused on sustainability, business consulting, and training for companies, startups, and young people.
The commitment from Aena and the proactive stance of the Chamber of Commerce signal a concerted effort to unlock the full potential of the Sabadell Airport and drive economic growth in the Vallès region.
