Aena, the operator of Barcelona-El Prat Airport, has begun building a new rapid exit from runway 02/20, a project intended to reduce the time aircraft spend taxiing after landing. For passengers and airlines, the most significant operational effect is scheduled for 16 to 26 November, when the airport will run on one runway and 1,441 flight slots, about 15% of those scheduled, will be removed.

The €3.1 million works are expected to last 12 and a half months, with completion planned around September 2027. Runway 02/20 is the airport's crosswind runway and is used mainly for night operations.

New exit will connect directly to taxiway T4

The new exit will connect runway 02/20 directly with taxiway T4. Aena said aircraft currently take about 65 seconds to leave the runway after landing; the new route is expected to reduce that to about 54 seconds.

Aena expects the scheme to reduce aircraft taxiing and waiting times, cutting time spent on board before and after flights as well as fuel use and emissions.

The work will not raise Barcelona-El Prat's declared hourly flight capacity. Its stated purpose is to make ground operations more efficient.

Night restrictions begin on 21 September

Most construction is due to take place at night. From Monday 21 September until mid-December, the airport expects occasional night-time runway closures and taxiway restrictions, depending on weather and operational requirements.

  • 16 to 26 November: runways 02/20 and 06L-24R will both close, leaving the airport operating on a single runway.
  • 1,441 slots: the planned reduction during that 11-day period, equivalent to about 15% of scheduled slots.
  • September 2027: Aena's planned completion date for the rapid-exit taxiway.

Aena said it had coordinated the construction timetable with airlines and airport slot managers, who allocate take-off and landing times. Travellers flying during the November period should check their airline's flight information, as airlines were notified of the planned slot reductions in advance.

Part of wider airfield modernisation

The rapid-exit project includes new drainage, lighting and electrical systems. It forms part of Aena's airfield modernisation programme ahead of the larger DORA IV investment plan, which includes a proposed extension of the 21-year-old third runway, 06R-24L.

Aena also plans pavement work on the sea runway, requiring a closure of about 50 to 60 days, and further taxiway construction intended to add access points and reduce bottlenecks during peak departure periods.

Reported by barna.news.