Aena Proposes 12.9bn Euros Investment Plan For Spanish Airports From 2027 To 2031

Aena has unveiled its most ambitious infrastructure investment plan in over two decades. Backed by the Spanish Government – Aena’s majority shareholder—the company is proposing 12.9 billion euros in investments across its 46 airports and 2 heliports in Spain for the period 2027–2031.

The proposed investment plan, known as DORA 3 (Airport Regulation Document), aims to prepare Spain’s airport network for anticipated growth in air traffic demand while maintaining high standards of safety, service quality, and environmental sustainability. A key objective of the plan is to help Aena achieve Net Zero emissions across all its Spanish airports by 2030.

“This is the largest airport investment in Spain in the past 20 years,” announced Pedro Sánchez, President of the Spanish Government, during a speech at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. “It reflects our firm commitment to the modernisation of infrastructure, economic competitiveness, and territorial cohesion.”

Of the €12.9 billion, approximately 9.99 billion euros will be allocated to regulated investments, directly related to core airport infrastructure, while the remaining funds will support non-regulated commercial initiatives such as retail and property development.

Focus on capacity, digitisation, and environmental targets

The investments will focus on six key areas:

• Terminal and airfield upgrades to accommodate growing passenger traffic
• Cybersecurity and digital transformation, including IT infrastructure and automation
• Sustainability, with projects aligned to Aena’s 2030 Net Zero commitment
• Security and services, to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience
• Innovation projects to future-proof airport operations
• Maintenance of competitive airport charges to ensure global competitiveness

The plan will maintain Aena’s position as one of Europe’s most cost-efficient airport networks, according to Transport Minister Óscar Puente, who also reiterated the government’s intention to preserve low airport charges through the 2027–2031 period.

Also read → Aena Group airports recorded over 38 million passengers in July

“Aena’s infrastructure already ranks among the most efficient and modern in the world,” Puente said. “We will continue combining ambitious investments with competitive fees to support the aviation and tourism sectors.”

A regulated, consultative process

The investment plan will undergo mandatory consultation with airlines, regional governments, and other stakeholders under Spain’s Airport Law (Act 18/2014). Once these consultations are completed, Aena will submit its final proposal for approval by the Spanish Council of Ministers.

Maurici Lucena, Aena’s President and CEO, clarified that investment allocations are driven strictly by technical assessments of air traffic demand, not by regional political considerations. “Our pricing and investment model ensures long-term sustainability, safety, and capacity, while remaining attractive to carriers and investors alike,” said Lucena.

The investment plan is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering Spain’s tourism competitiveness, facilitating trade, and enhancing regional connectivity. According to the Spanish Government, Aena’s hybrid public-private model has been instrumental in transforming the airport network into a strategic economic asset, supporting investment, tourism growth, and national cohesion.

The proposal also aligns with broader EU green transition goals, positioning Aena as a leader in sustainable airport operations globally.

The article Aena proposes 12.9bn euros investment plan for Spanish airports from 2027 to 2031 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.