A major transformation of the area around El Prat airport in Barcelona is about to begin. The old bus parking lot and the abandoned taxi stand at Terminal 1 will soon be a thing of the past. In place of asphalt and concrete, a new natural landscape will emerge, expanding the boundaries of the unique Delta del Llobregat ecosystem. The total area set to be returned to nature is impressive—51,000 square meters.
This move is not related to the much-debated future runway renovations discussed in recent years. Instead, it compensates for the airport’s expansion that took place a decade and a half ago. Back then, nature gave way to infrastructure—now it’s time to pay that debt back.
Ecological context
El Prat airport is literally embedded into the arc of wetlands, beaches, and protected areas in the Delta del Llobregat. Here lies the border of the European Natura 2000 network of specially protected natural zones. Proposals to expand the airport have always sparked heated debate: should a new runway be built toward Castelldefels and Viladecans, risking the renowned Remolar Lake and the Filipinas wetlands? In the end, officials decided to leave these especially valuable natural areas untouched, shifting future infrastructure development to other parts of the territory.
Currently, the focus is on restoring the part of the delta that does not fall under new development plans. The Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge has officially announced that the project to demolish old structures and return the land to nature does not require the standard environmental impact assessment procedure. Experts are confident there are no significant risks to the ecosystem.
What will change
The work plan includes the demolition of several long-unused facilities related to the first terminal. These include a bus parking lot covering 12,000 square meters, an old taxi waiting area of 24,000 square meters, a massive foundation for lighting equipment (almost 5,000 square meters), and a network of access roads totaling over 22,000 square meters. All these will be removed, making way for greenery and natural landscapes.
The entire project area is located in the Viladecans municipality. In addition to restoring nature, the project includes creating a small unpaved parking lot for 100 cars for visitors to the natural area of Remolar and the Filipinas wetlands. Its area is 3,500 square meters. This solution aims to make it easier for everyone to access the unique corners of the delta without harming the environment.
Environmental safeguards
During the preparation of the project, consultations were held with local authorities, environmental organizations, and relevant agencies. Experts carefully examined the potential impact of the work on local flora and fauna. The survey results showed that neither rare plants nor vulnerable animal species would be affected. However, it was noted that construction may temporarily disturb birds due to noise and vehicle movement.
To minimize these risks, contractors are required to follow a strict schedule: major construction will take place outside the bird nesting season. Rapid restoration of all affected areas and strict control over construction waste disposal are also planned. This approach is designed not only to preserve, but also to enhance the natural value of the delta.
Authorities’ Position
Regional and national authorities have reached a consensus: the project poses no threat to existing ecosystems. Moreover, the restoration of natural areas around the airport could set an example for other major infrastructure projects across Spain. Officials emphasize that this is not a token gesture, but a real step toward improving environmental conditions.
The timeline for implementation has not yet been announced, but it’s known that all the work will take about a year. It’s not a fast process, but the results promise to be significant: another piece of the Llobregat Delta will be restored, and residents and visitors of Barcelona will gain a new natural oasis just minutes from the runways.
