Aena to Transform Sabadell Airport: Major Renovation Plans
- Aena is committed to the Chamber of Commerce of Sabadell to revolutionize the Sabadell airport during the first half of 2026.
- Even tho Aena does not contemplate investments in this airport in its DORA III plan, which includes actions for the period 2027-2031, it has assured the chamber's directors...
- In addition, it has created an important hub linked to aeronautical services and has a popular flying club.
Aena is committed to the Chamber of Commerce of Sabadell to revolutionize the Sabadell airport during the first half of 2026. In an informative meeting held this Thursday, the president of the corporation, Ramon Alberich, stated that the airport manager will review the current master plan of the facilities, approved in 2001, to boost its growth.
Even tho Aena does not contemplate investments in this airport in its DORA III plan, which includes actions for the period 2027-2031, it has assured the chamber’s directors that it intends to enhance the infrastructure. Currently,the Sabadell airport is the second busiest in general aviation in Spain,behind Madrid-Cuatro Vientos,with around 60,000 operations annually.
In addition, it has created an important hub linked to aeronautical services and has a popular flying club. According to Alberich, more than 400 people work at the facilities.
Despite this positive data, the airport faces two problems: connectivity that needs betterment and a lack of space to grow. The update of the master plan should serve to improve road access and expand the useful area of the complex, with the idea of accommodating more business activity. “the Sabadell airport must be seen as the airport of the Vallès,” Alberich expressed.
Underfunding of the Vallès
Still in the field of infrastructure,the chamber leader emphasized the “necessary execution” of the B-40 and the Ronda Nord,while defending the Horta tunnel as essential infrastructure. Alberich linked these pending works to the historical underfunding of the territory.
In the statistical series of the last 25 years, the Vallès Occidental is the second largest region in total investment, behind Barcelonès, but falls to position 35 in per capita investment. This situation “is not fair,” according to the Sabadell chamber,especially when the second metropolitan crown absorbs a large part of the industry and population that cannot fit in Barcelona.
On the other hand,the Chamber of sabadell reported that it has increased its budget by 11% in 2026. Last year, the entity closed with balance
Aena has committed to giving a complete makeover to Sabadell Airport, with the aim of turning it into a strategic asset for the territory and a driver of economic and social development. this was announced by the president of Aena, Maurici Lucena, during a meeting with the mayor of Sabadell, marta Mora, and other local authorities.
Lucena explained that Aena is working on a comprehensive plan to modernize the airport’s facilities, improve its connectivity and increase its commercial activity. The plan includes the expansion of the terminal building, the improvement of the runway and the installation of new security systems.
The president of Aena also announced that the company is studying the possibility of opening new routes from Sabadell Airport,both domestic and international. “We are confident that we can attract new airlines and offer more options to travelers,” he said.
For her part, the mayor of Sabadell, Marta Mora, welcomed Aena’s commitment and expressed her confidence that the airport’s transformation will be a success.”Sabadell Airport has a great potential to become a key infrastructure for the city and the entire metropolitan area,” she said.
The investment that Aena plans to make in Sabadell Airport is part of the company’s strategy to improve its network of airports and contribute to the economic development of the regions where it operates.
aena Plans Major Overhaul of Sabadell Airport
Aena, the Spanish airport authority, committed on January 26, 2026, to a substantial renovation of Sabadell Airport (SDQ), aiming to transform the facility into a key driver of economic growth for the region. The plan addresses long-standing concerns about the airport’s limited capacity and outdated infrastructure, according to a report in elEconomista.
Key Elements of the Renovation
- Investment: Aena has not publicly disclosed the total investment amount, but indicated it will be a meaningful financial undertaking.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The project includes expanding the terminal building, increasing baggage handling capacity, and upgrading runway infrastructure.
- Route development: Aena intends to attract new airlines and establish more international routes, focusing on both passenger and cargo traffic.
- Sustainability: The renovation will incorporate sustainable technologies and practices to reduce the airport’s environmental impact.
The Sabadell Airport currently handles approximately 150,000 passengers annually, primarily serving general aviation and business travelers. Aena believes the upgrades will allow the airport to accommodate up to 1 million passengers per year. The project is expected to create numerous jobs during both the construction phase and after completion.
“This is a strategic investment for the future of Sabadell and the surrounding area,” stated a representative from Aena in a press release. “We are committed to making Sabadell Airport a modern, efficient, and sustainable gateway for both passengers and businesses.”
Local business leaders and government officials have welcomed Aena’s commitment. They anticipate the airport’s expansion will stimulate economic activity, attract foreign investment, and improve connectivity for the region. The timeline for the completion of the renovation has not yet been finalized, but Aena aims to begin construction in the second half of 2026.