Airlines are on guard to avoid losing market share
Airlines flying into Barcelona Airport are already calculating a possible expansion. The increased capacity that the project would entail, with 90 operations per hour, would facilitate the entry of new competitors.
The Generalitat (Catalan Government), Aena (Spanish Air Lines), and the central government want these new flight rights ( slots ) to be covered by companies offering intercontinental travel. But it will be the airlines that decide what to do, and those already operating at El Prat want to maintain their position at all costs.
"The main beneficiaries of the extension would be the low-cost airlines and IAG," experts say.The airport is dominated by Vueling, IAG's low-cost carrier, with a 42% market share. Ryanair follows with an 18% market share. Wizz Air, Iberia, easyJet, and Lufthansa are other major airlines. Level, also owned by IAG, leads the long-haul market with a 15.1% share, according to OAG data. Emirates (12.4%) and American Airlines (10.3%) follow behind.
Which of them would benefit most from an expansion? "The first would be the low-cost airlines currently operating from El Prat Airport, which could expand their European connections," says David Samu, partner in charge of the strategy and operations practice at EY Parthenon.
Read also El Prat breaks another passenger record and tests its capacity limits. Maite Gutiérrez
He also sees a significant opportunity for the IAG group, stemming from the combination of Vueling's short- and medium-haul operations with Level's long-haul operations. The holding company, Samu points out, could orient this long-haul operation to routes in North America and Asia, thus complementing IAG's hub in Barajas, which would confirm its dominant position between Europe and Latin America.
Rafael Jiménez, CEO of Level, emphasizes that the company is "committed to boosting international connectivity and strengthening the airport's position as a global gateway." The airline obtained its own air operator certificate a few months ago, separating itself from Iberia, and plans to expand its fleet to eight aircraft. IAG's announcement of the purchase of 21 new Airbus A330-900s opens the door for them to be assigned to Level, as well as to other airlines in the group. "This ensures the growth of our company in Barcelona," says Jiménez.
For David Samu, the development of the One World alliance in Barcelona would also mean an increase in the activity of other airlines in this alliance, with connectivity to the Americas and Asia. Additionally, there would be an opportunity to increase the long-haul routes of the airlines already operating at the airport or attract new ones. However, he believes it is difficult for El Prat Airport to become a hub on par with the European giants.
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