Aena has taken a step forward in the development of its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan with the tendering of the first hotel projects within the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport Cities. The initiative includes the construction of hotels with at least 300 rooms, equipped with complementary services such as restaurants, conference rooms, shopping areas, and a gym, seeking to attract large operators and international investors.
The question now is whether this strategy will be extended to the leading island, Gran Canaria, where tourism growth in the south and air connectivity could justify a similar development. Aena does not rule this out, however, as far as revenue is concerned. Although Aena has not announced plans for Gran Canaria, the island has sufficient airport infrastructure and tourist demand to accommodate a hotel project of this type, following the model now being launched in Madrid and Barcelona. Ultimately, Aena's hotel developments on the peninsula set a precedent for the sector and could open the door to future investments in other strategic airports in the country, including those in the Canary Islands. Not yet, but it is not ruled out.
The future hotels will be located in strategic areas of both airports, reinforcing their status as global hubs. At Madrid-Barajas Airport, the planned location is Terminal T2, while at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, it will be located opposite the current Terminal T2. The buildings will measure approximately 18.400 m² and 20.000 m², respectively, and will offer design flexibility to operators, always adhering to the sustainability and environmental protection criteria defined by Aena.
The bidding process includes the award of a 75-year real estate right to the airport, with a variable fee based on revenue and a guaranteed minimum annual fee. Bidders may submit separate bids for each airport or a joint bid, and will be free to change brands or operators as long as quality standards and the presence of an international hotel group are maintained.
With the aim of ensuring sustainability and innovation, Aena has published a White Paper establishing design, urban planning, landscaping, and energy efficiency criteria. This document, prepared with specialized consulting firms, ensures that projects comply with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering harmonious integration with the territory and the airport environment.
The hotel expansion is part of a broader plan for the dynamic development of Airport Cities, which includes logistics activities, offices, hotels, aeronautical services, and cargo. Aena recently awarded land for logistics warehouses and new cargo terminals, while in Madrid, construction is underway on Aena's new headquarters, along with Terminal 4 and several hangars for airlines and logistics operators.
