Spain prepares to open two new runways

Spanish airports authority AENA said the new runways being built at Madrid Barajas Airport and Barcelona El Prat Airport will both be operational next summer. The news could bring relief to business aircraft operators–especially in Madrid, where access to Barajas has been especially difficult during the prolonged construction program, which also includes a new terminal and another runway. Aircraft have often had to divert to the Spanish capital’s Torrejon air force base on short notice.

However, Spanish charter operator and ground-handling group Gestair told AIN that there has been no firm announcement as to when business aircraft will enjoy assured access to Barajas. A spokeswoman said operators have become accustomed to the inconvenience of juggling operations between the city’s main commercial gateway and the restricted military field at Torrejon.