Coalition Divided Ahead of Sunday Protest

The governing coalition in El Prat is fractured over the proposed expansion of Barcelona Airport, as Mayor Alba Bou of El Prat en Comú leads opposition to the plan while her Socialist (PSC) allies withhold support pending an EU environmental review. The dispute resurfaced following the release of the 2027–2031 Airport Regulatory Document (DORA), which allocates €1.765 billion to Barcelona's airport infrastructure. While the regional government, led by President Salvador Illa, backs the project, local governance tensions have intensified.

Mayor Rallies Opposition, Cites Environmental and Social Risks

Bou held an institutional press event flanked by representatives from ERC, PP, and the platform Estimem El Prat, excluding her own government’s PSC councillors. She denounced the expansion as an "irresponsibility" for advancing without local input, accusing central and regional authorities of sidelining municipal voices. Although the state investment roadmap includes €191 million for "preparatory actions", Bou stressed that no funds are earmarked for the physical construction of a third runway. "It will be Europe that makes the final decision," she said.

It will be Europe that makes the final decision.

She warned of severe consequences if passenger capacity reaches 80 million annually, including increased greenhouse gas emissions, intensified tourism pressure, and accelerated gentrification that would worsen housing access.

Call for Investment in Public Transport

Bou urged the state to redirect funds toward the Rodalies commuter rail network, calling it the infrastructure used daily by "working people, ordinary people".

The investments should focus on Rodalies, the network that serves working people every day.

Mayor to Join Anti-Airport Demonstration Sunday

Bou confirmed she will attend a protest in Barcelona this Sunday, 20 September, at 12:00, organised by environmental platforms including ZroportBCN. The march starts at Passeig de Gràcia and Aragó and ends at Plaça Sant Jaume. The event will mark a key moment in the growing local resistance to the airport’s expansion, with the European Commission’s assessment of impacts on the protected La Ricarda wetlands still pending.

Reported by metropoliabierta.cat.