Aena to redistribute slots at Madrid and Barcelona airports from summer 2027 to avoid saturation

Overcapacity triggers action

Both Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are straining under record passenger numbers. In 2025, Barajas handled 68.2 million travellers, just shy of its 70 million ceiling. El Prat has already breached its 55.5 million limit, with 57 million passengers last year. The summer peak, when terminals are most congested, pushed Aena to intervene before the 2027 season.

Aena seeks to desestacionalize new slots within peak activity hours in favour of off-peak hours.

How the new slot system works

Until now, Aena declared airport capacity solely based on runway movements, without differentiating between terminals. From summer 2027, the operator will publish terminal-specific limits and distinguish between domestic, Schengen and non-Schengen traffic. This forces airlines requesting new slots to accept off-peak timings when terminals are already full during rush hours.

What stays unchanged

Historical slot rights held by incumbent carriers remain untouched. The redistribution only affects airlines seeking to expand at either airport during saturated hours or months. Aena has already briefed affected companies through the Spanish slot coordination committee (AECFA).

Temporary fix until DORA 3 investments

Aena frames the measure as a bridge until the DORA 3 investment cycle (2027–2031) delivers physical capacity upgrades. The plan earmarks €4,477.4 million for Barajas and €1,765.2 million for El Prat, part of a nearly €10 billion nationwide programme. Once those works are completed, the terminal-specific caps will be lifted.

The aim is to make the terminals more efficient to guarantee a maximum-quality service for passengers.

Next steps

Aena will shortly submit a formal capacity proposal to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) for publication. The summer 2027 season runs from late March to late October, giving airlines and coordinators roughly nine months to adapt slot portfolios.