Mass protests erupt across Spain over airport expansions and soaring tourism numbers
Thousands of Spaniards demonstrated in cities such as Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza and Alicante against airport expansion plans and the surge in tourist arrivals.
Across Spain, large crowds took to the streets in Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza and Alicante to oppose airport expansion projects and the rapid increase in foreign visitors. In Barcelona, police estimated roughly 5,500 marchers, though protest leaders suggested the figure could be closer to 30,000, with participants converging on Placa de Sant Jaume near regional government offices. The unrest follows the Spanish government's green light for Aena's 2027-2031 investment plan, allocating €1.76 billion for upgrades at El-Prat Airport, which officials say will reconfigure terminals rather than add capacity.
Protesters fear the spending will exacerbate congestion, strain housing, and damage the Llobregat Delta. Similar rallies in Palma and Ibiza featured local environmental groups and called for caps on passenger numbers and greater regional control over airport management. In Alicante, residents voiced concerns about the impact of mass tourism on community life.
Why it matters
The protests highlight growing public backlash against tourism-driven development and its social and environmental costs.
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