Roberta Aguirre
Barcelona's main airport is El Prat Airport (BCN), officially known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport. Located 12-15 km southwest of the city centre, it is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in Spain, the busiest in Catalonia, and one of the largest on the Mediterranean coast. El Prat has two terminals and three runways, and in 2019, it handled a record 52.6 million passengers, making it the sixth busiest airport in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport |
| IATA | BCN |
| ICAO | LEBL |
| Location | 12-15 km southwest of Barcelona city centre |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Number of Passengers in 2023 | 49.9 million |
| Number of Passengers in 2019 | 52,686,314 |
| Airlines | Vueling, Level, Air Nostrum, EasyJet, Ryanair, Iberia, Air Europa |
| Transport to/from Airport | Bus, Train, Taxi, Metro, Car |
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What You'll Learn
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport
The biggest airport in Barcelona is the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL). It is also known as Barcelona Airport, El Prat Airport, or Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The airport is located 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 mi) southwest of the centre of Barcelona, in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi, in Catalonia, Spain. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, airports on the Mediterranean coast.
The airport consists of two terminal buildings, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are not adjacent to each other. Terminal 1, which covers an area of 545,000 square metres (5,866,331 square feet), is the main terminal and handles the majority of international and Schengen flights. It underwent a massive renovation that was completed in 2009. Terminal 2, the old terminal, primarily serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with most of the airport's low-cost flights. It is divided into three interlinked sections, T2A, T2B, and T2C.
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Terminals and transport
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, also known as Barcelona Airport or El Prat Airport, is the main international gateway to Barcelona. It is located 12 to 15 kilometres southwest of Barcelona's city centre. It is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in Spain, the busiest in Catalonia, and the sixth busiest in Europe. In 2019, the airport handled a record 52,686,314 passengers, and in 2023, it registered a total of 49.9 million passengers.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport has two terminals, which are not adjacent to each other. Terminal 1 (T1) is the main terminal, handling 70% of today's flights, including Schengen and international flights. It underwent a massive renovation that was completed in 2009. The old Terminals A, B, and C are now known as Terminals 2A, 2B, and 2C, and mostly serve domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with the majority of the airport's low-cost flights. Terminal 2 is also commonly referred to as T2A, T2B, and T2C, as it is spread over three interlinked sections. Passengers travelling between the two terminals can take advantage of the free airport shuttles.
The airport is adequately connected to Barcelona's city centre through various transportation options. It offers direct access to the city by train, bus, or taxi. The Metro L9 connects the airport to downtown Barcelona, and there are also public transportation bus routes available. Additionally, car rental services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves.
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History
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL), also referred to as Barcelona Airport, El Prat Airport, or El Prat de Llobregat Airport, is the largest airport in Barcelona, Spain. It is located about 12 to 15 kilometres (7.5 to 9.3 miles) southwest of Barcelona's city centre, in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi.
Barcelona's first airfield, located at El Remolar, commenced operations in 1916. However, due to its limited expansion prospects, a new airport was established at El Prat in 1918. The first plane to arrive at the new airport was a Latécoère Salmson 300, which flew from Toulouse and continued on to Casablanca. During its early years, the airport served as the headquarters of the Aeroclub of Catalonia and the base for the Spanish Navy's Zeppelin fleet.
In 1948, a runway was constructed (now known as runway 07-25), and the airport began offering its first overseas service to New York City, operated by Pan American World Airways using a Lockheed Constellation. Between 1948 and 1952, a second runway (runway 16-34) was built perpendicular to the first, along with taxiways and a terminal for passengers. By 1963, the airport was serving one million passengers annually, and a new control tower was constructed in 1965.
In 1968, a new terminal was opened, which remains in use today as Terminal 2B. On August 3, 1970, Pan American World Airways launched a regular service between Barcelona, Lisbon, and New York, utilising a Boeing 747. On November 4 of the same year, Iberia initiated the "Air-shuttle" service between Barcelona and Madrid–Barajas. Subsequently, in 1976, a terminal dedicated to Iberia's air-shuttle service was constructed, along with a terminal for cargo operations, an annexed mail service, and an aircraft ramp.
From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, the airport experienced a period of stagnation in traffic and investments. However, the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona provided an impetus for significant development. This included the modernisation and expansion of the existing terminal, renamed Terminal B, and the construction of two additional terminals, Terminals A and C. The new Terminal 1, inaugurated on June 16, 2009, covers an area of 545,000 square metres (5,866,331 square feet) and handles 70% of today's flights. The former Terminals A, B, and C were renamed Terminals 2A, 2B, and 2C.
In 2014, Barcelona–El Prat became the first Spanish airport to receive a daily flight operated by the Airbus A380-800 on the Emirates route to Dubai International Airport. In December 2016, International Airlines Group (IAG) announced plans for flights from Barcelona to the US, Latin America, and Asia for the summer of 2017. These new routes were operated by Level, the second airline formed by IAG to offer low-cost long-haul flights.
On December 21, 2018, the airport was officially renamed Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport by the central Government of Spain to honour the first Catalan president under the current Spanish Constitution. This decision was met with criticism from the Generalitat de Catalunya and separatists due to a lack of consultation.
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Airlines and destinations
The biggest airport in Barcelona is the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL). It is also known as Barcelona Airport or El Prat Airport and is located about 12 to 15 kilometres southwest of Barcelona's city centre. It is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in Spain, the busiest international airport in Catalonia, and the sixth busiest in Europe. In 2019, the airport handled a record 52,686,314 passengers, and in 2023, it registered a total of 49.9 million passengers.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is a hub for several airlines, including Vueling, Level, Iberia, and Air Nostrum. It is also a focus city for EasyJet, Ryanair, and Air Europa. The airport serves a wide range of international, domestic, and intercontinental destinations.
Terminal 1 (T1) is the main terminal at the airport and handles the majority of international and Schengen flights. It covers an area of 545,000 square metres and accounts for 70% of today's flights. Terminal 1 was inaugurated in 2009 after a major development project at the airport.
The old terminal, now known as Terminal 2 (T2), primarily serves domestic and non-Schengen destinations, along with most of the airport's low-cost flights. Terminal 2 is spread over three interlinked sections, known as T2A, T2B, and T2C. T2B, which is still in use, was opened in 1968 and is one of the oldest terminals at the airport.
Barcelona Airport offers direct flights to various destinations, including:
- Los Angeles
- Oakland
- Punta Cana
- Buenos Aires
- Lisbon
- New York
- Dubai
- Madrid
The airport has excellent transport connections to the city centre, including bus, train, taxi, and car rental options. It is easily accessible and provides a seamless travel experience for passengers arriving in or departing from Barcelona.
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Other airports serving Barcelona
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL) is the main airport serving Barcelona. However, there are other airports in the region that also serve the city.
Girona Airport is the second-closest airport to Barcelona, located around 100 kilometres north of the city centre. It is not within walking distance of Girona's city centre, so travellers need to take a bus or train to reach Barcelona. Coaches are also available and are scheduled to coincide with Ryanair flights. Girona Airport is located 74 kilometres from Barcelona, making it the second-busiest airport in the region.
Reus Airport is the furthest airport from Barcelona, situated 120 kilometres south of the city. It is closer to the coast than Girona Airport and is a popular choice for those travelling to beach towns such as Cambrils and Salou. There is no direct coach service from Reus Airport to Barcelona, so travellers need to take a bus to Reus city centre and then catch a coach from there.
It is important to note that some budget airlines may use the word "Barcelona" in the description for Girona or Reus Airports, which can be misleading as they are over 100 kilometres outside the city. Therefore, travellers should ensure they are booking the correct airport to avoid a long transfer to Barcelona.
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Frequently asked questions
The biggest Barcelona airport is called the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport.
The airport is located about 12 to 15 kilometres (7.5 to 9.3 miles) southwest of Barcelona's city centre.
The airport code is BCN.
The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport has two terminals.
