The commons are willing to study a variation in the runway configuration of El Prat airport on specific occasions. It would be exceptional, in the case of interesting flights for the Catalan economy that require more space than they currently have.
It is a novel nuance in their position on the future of the infrastructure that, however, does not distance them from their priorities: the reinforcement of the Girona and Reus aerodromes, the decentralized management of the network and the commitment to rail connections by reducing flights short haul. Nor the rejection of any expansion, much less if it harms the natural space of La Ricarda.
Although it is varied when the weather requires it, the configuration of El Prat slopes tries to shield the neighbors, mainly from Gavà and Castelldefels, from noise. At the same time, it limits the airport’s capacity.
ERC proposed last month to change it during the months of July and August a few hours a day in order to fit all aircraft into the period with the highest demand. “We oppose it. It would promote tourism. In no case can the change in track configuration be structural,” David Cid, deputy of the commons and number five on the list for Barcelona in the 12-M, tells La Vanguardia.
In contrast, it opens the door to adapting the runways at “specific times” only for some higher value flights. “It could not be done without dialogue with the town councils and the neighbors,” he explains, aware that any change in this sense is very sensitive on the Baix Llobregat coast.
The first to briefly refer to this possibility was the candidate for the presidency of the Generalitat de Comuns Sumar, Jéssica Albiach, at an event at CC.OO. This specific change in the runways would be the last step in the commons’ plans for the airport. It does not appear in the electoral program and they have not even calculated how many times it could occur annually.
Their commitment to the future for the Catalan airport system is more concrete. They propose to “make the Girona and Reus aerodromes more competitive” and connect them with El Prat by high-speed train, coinciding with the proposals of the Public Transport Promotion association (PTP). Thus, El Prat would gain space.
“We are willing for Catalonia to improve its connection with the US, South America or Asia; but not to more operations per hour. We want to improve the economy, not more tourists,” summarizes the commons deputy.
They also want to eliminate short-haul flights to replace them with train connections. “We are concerned about polluting emissions,” Cid recalls. Like Pimec, they advocate decentralized management.
