Spain and Portugal Airport Expansion Race Promises More Travel Choice
Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon are pursuing airport developments that could reshape Southern European travel, strengthening connections and supporting tourism growth. Their competing strategies combine larger infrastructure, international airline networks and ambitions to capture more long-haul passengers. Madrid-Barajas handled 68.18 million passengers in 2025, ahead of Barcelona-El Prat’s 57.48 million and Lisbon’s 36.1 million. However, Barcelona




