The Provincial Council of Álava has called on AENA to construct a new passenger terminal at Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport. This initiative aims to harness the strategic potential of the infrastructure and manage the continuous increase in passenger traffic. The proposal is intended for inclusion in the DORA 2027-2031 document, which governs AENA's investment plans.
“"We cannot allow a lack of investment to limit its future; we need a terminal prepared to exceed 500,000 annual passengers."
Foronda Airport is experiencing its best historical period. After breaking its record in 2023 with 309,929 travelers, the first quarter of 2026 closed with 67,465 passengers, a 33% increase from the previous year. This year, approximately 375,000 users are expected, driven by routes to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as summer destinations like Gran Canaria and Menorca.
However, AENA's investment plan for the upcoming period, totaling 63.2 million euros, does not include significant improvements to the passenger terminal. The current facility is designed to handle two or three simultaneous flights, but during peak times in 2026, up to five aircraft are expected to coincide, posing a risk to service quality and competitiveness.
“"There is a real risk of deterioration in service quality and loss of competitiveness if action is not taken in time."
Given that the construction of a new terminal is a long-term project, the Provincial Council has proposed immediate actions. These include expanding the boarding lounge by utilizing part of the current cafeteria and improving parking facilities to prevent saturation during key dates. While Foronda remains the fourth-largest airport in Spain by cargo volume, it is emphasized that it should now be treated as an emerging airport for passenger traffic, with connectivity to major hubs and diversification of destinations being crucial for Álava's economic and tourism development.
