Barcelona-El Prat Airport, also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is the second most important airport in Spain in terms of air traffic and one of the most important in Europe. With more than 50 million passengers a year, this airport is one of the main gateways into Spain and out of Europe. At Shuttle2Sun we offer low-cost and sustainable private transfer services and shared transfer services rom Barcelona airport and also from Reus airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Now that you know the importance of this airport for the areas of Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Barcelona and the rest of Spain. But do you want to know some interesting facts about this important airport that you may not have known? Here, in this article, we will tell you the 8 most important ones.
1. A century-old history
Barcelona-El Prat Airport has a history that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Although you might think that the airport did not start its commercial activity from the beginning, the truth is that it was inaugurated as a military base in 1916 for the use of the Spanish Army. It was not until 1927 that it became a commercial airport, although during the Spanish Civil War, this base was again used as a military aerodrome, this time by Republican aviation, thanks to its strategic location with Barcelona.
Later, Barcelona’s airport experienced great growth and became one of the most important airports in Spain and Europe.
2. Two terminals
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is the oldest and was inaugurated in 1963, becoming the airport’s main terminal and was extended on several occasions to cope with the growing demand of passengers. 27 years later, in 1991, work began on the construction of Terminal 1, which was completed in 2009 with the inauguration of a much larger and more modern terminal.
3. A strategic location
The Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located just 14 kilometres from the centre of Barcelona and is well connected to the city and its surroundings by an extensive public transport network.
Moreover, the airport is strategically located on the Mediterranean, you can reach the towns of Salou, Cambrils, La Pineda and Tarragona on Costa Dorada in just 1 hour and a half. On the other hand, you can reach the towns of Girona, Blanes or Platja d’Aro on Costa Brava in just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
4. Art at the airport
It also houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by Spanish and international artists. The artworks are located in various areas of the airport, such as lounges, corridors and access areas. One of the airport’s most emblematic works is “El cel pintat“, a huge old mural in Terminal 2 created in 1970 by the Catalan artist Joan Miró. Also in Terminal 2 B we can find one of Fernando Botero’s best known works, his famous “Caballo Negro” (Black Horse), which also serves as a meeting point for travellers due to its bulkiness that allows it to be located from any point in this terminal. So while you are waiting for your flight or have arrived at the airport to visit Barcelona, Costa Brava or Costa Dorada, open your eyes wide because you may come across these works of art as you walk through the airport.
5. A sustainable airport
Barcelona-El Prat Airport has implemented various measures to reduce its environmental impact and improve its sustainability. These measures include the installation of solar panels for energy production, efficient waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices among businesses and passengers operating at the airport.
6. A wide variety of shops and restaurants
The complex has a wide variety of shops and restaurants offering products and services to suit all tastes. Terminal 1, the airport’s largest terminal, is home to more than 100 commercial establishments, while Terminal 2 has around 30 shops and restaurants. In addition, the airport has several cafés and bars where passengers can enjoy a coffee or cocktail before their flight. Among the most popular are the Starbucks coffee shop chain, the Lizarrán tapas bar chain and the Estrella Damm brewery chain.
7. Future projects
In recent years, a project has emerged to expand Barcelona-El Prat Airport with a new terminal above the sea, known as “Terminal 4” or “T4”. This initiative aims to turn the airport into a hub for international flight connections and improve its capacity to handle a greater number of passengers. Last 2019, the Ministry of Public Works presented a new proposal for the airport’s expansion, which included the construction of T4 over the sea, an idea that had already been put forward in 2007.
The project is currently in the study and environmental impact assessment phase.
8. Other airports in Catalonia
Although Barcelona airport is the best known and most used airport in Catalonia, it is not the only one you can use to visit Catalonia.
On Costa Dorada, near Tarragona, Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda, you will find Reus airport. On the other hand, in the north of Catalonia, on Costa Brava and near Girona, Platja d’Aro and Blanes, you will find Girona airport. So, if your aim is to travel in Catalonia, you can use all these airports and remember that Shuttle2Sun takes care of the transfers.
Now you know some of the curiosities of Barcelona airport, one of the most important and busiest airports in the world. If you want to transfer from it to Costa Brava, Costa Daurada or the city of Barcelona, you can use Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services or private transfer services in an economical and sustainable way. We also offer transfers from the port of Barcelona, Reus airport, Girona airport and the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station.
