Spanish government approves €351 million airport investment to accelerate upgrades before 2027

On 1 July 2025, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved an additional €351 million investment in Spanish airports, beyond the scope of the current Airport Regulation Document for 2022–2026 (DORA II). These regulated investments, which could not have been foreseen when DORA II was approved, aim to bring forward actions that would otherwise be scheduled for the next regulatory period, DORA III (2027–2031).

Spain’s airport investment fast-tracked to enhance infrastructure, safety, and passenger experience across key hubs

The new funding will help adapt airport infrastructure to updated regulatory requirements, strengthen safety and cybersecurity, improve passenger experience, and reduce the operational impact of terminal upgrades. These improvements are seen as essential and beneficial across the Spanish airport network, with work progressing on projects at airports including Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC), Valencia (VLC), Bilbao (BIO), César Manrique-Lanzarote (ACE), Ibiza (IBZ), Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP), Menorca (MAH), Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna (TFN), Tenerife Sur (TFS).

One of the most significant allocations is €84 million towards accelerating the ongoing terminal area remodelling at Palma de Mallorca Airport. A further €86 million will fund upgrades in passenger screening systems, including EDSCB (Explosive Detection System for Cabin Baggage), which allows liquids and electronics to remain in hand luggage, and ATRS (Automatic Tray Return System).

An additional €15 million will be invested in operational and physical safety measures. Cybersecurity, in response to new regulatory requirements around information security risks, will receive €62 million.

Digitalisation and automation of airport processes will be enhanced with €65 million, while €7 million will support the rollout of remote-controlled boarding bridges. Aena will also advance €13 million for the technical design of terminal expansions planned for DORA III.

To support airport decarbonisation, €13 million will go towards process electrification, and €6 million will be used to meet the obligations of Royal Decree 487/2022 on legionella prevention.

Looking ahead, Aena is finalising its DORA III investment proposal for 2027–2031. This will be submitted for consultation with airlines and is expected to represent “the largest wave of investment in recent decades.”

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