Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport has reached its largest-ever direct flight network to Asia, with eight airlines operating services to seven destinations and up to 57 weekly flights at peak times during the 2026 summer schedule, according to the Barcelona Air Routes Development Committee (CDRA).

For passengers and Catalan businesses, the expanded non-stop network reduces the need to change planes when travelling to major Asian economic centres. The CDRA says the routes also support air freight, including higher-value goods in pharmaceutical, technology, fashion and fresh-product sectors.

The CDRA is made up of the Generalitat, Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and airport operator Aena. Its 2026–2030 strategic plan identifies Asia as a priority market for expanding Barcelona's international links.

The services link Barcelona directly with Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul and Azerbaijan. Flight frequencies change during the summer season.

  • Air China operates up to 14 weekly flights to Beijing between July and September, and increased its Shanghai service from four to seven weekly flights in July.
  • China Eastern operates 10 weekly flights to Shanghai until the end of July, then seven for the rest of the season. Shenzhen Airlines operates two weekly flights until mid-June and three afterwards.
  • Cathay Pacific operates four weekly flights to Hong Kong, while Singapore Airlines operates five weekly services to Singapore.
  • Asiana Airlines increases its Seoul service from five to seven weekly flights from September. T'Way Air operates two or three weekly Seoul flights in July and August, and four during the rest of the season.
  • Azerbaijan Hava operates four weekly flights.

Passengers considering these routes should check the relevant airline's current timetable, as the CDRA says frequencies vary across the summer programme.

More than 1.8 million potential passengers remain unserved

The committee estimates that more than 1.8 million annual passengers travel between Barcelona and Asian markets that still have no direct connection. That estimate is separate from potential growth on existing routes, which the CDRA expects direct services to stimulate.

In its assessment, the CDRA says direct links help Catalan companies internationalise, support investment attraction and bring in higher-value visitors. For local exporters, the routes provide air-freight capacity to Asian markets alongside passenger services.

Primary sources: Ramon, govern.cat, Ramon, Ramon, Barcelona City Council, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Ajuntament de Barcelona, eb.gencat.cat. Reported by Cristina Buesa, R. N. / AGENCIAS, Maite Gutiérrez, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, expansion.com, comunicatur, Jose Fernandez, Sergi Llanas, barcelonaaldia.com, VIA Empresa.