The mixed-ownership company, primarily held by the Ministry of Transport, has selected the proposal from the UTE comprising Sener Mobility, Cemosa, and Fairbanks Arquitectos. This national business alliance submitted a bid of €12.92 million net (€15.63 million including taxes), surpassing another international proposal that had ranked second.
The tender process, which began over a year and a half ago, had an initial budget exceeding €24 million. The three awarded companies will have an estimated five years (60 months) to develop the project, which includes constructing a new boarding pier in the area to be freed up after the demolition of the old Terminal 1 and the General Aviation terminal.
This development is expected to enable the airport to handle up to 26 million annual passengers, surpassing the current record of nearly 20 million reached at the end of 2025. The new pier will feature additional boarding gates and walkways to facilitate passenger transit. It will also include a new centralized border control for traffic outside the Schengen area, particularly to improve processing for UK travelers, and will house a new commercial and dining area.
The expansion is not limited to the new building. The DORA III plan (2027-2031) outlines a total estimated investment of €1.154 billion, covering improvements to parking, roads, and infrastructure, aiming to increase the terminal's surface area by nearly 30%. A new rapid exit taxiway is also planned to enhance operational efficiency from both runway ends.
The awarded UTE possesses expertise in transport infrastructure. Sener Mobility has participated in airport projects in Saudi Arabia and Dublin. Cemosa has provided consultancy services in Spain and Latin America, while Fairbanks Arquitectos was involved in the design of the new terminal inaugurated in 2011. Aena is also contracting a technical assistance service for project management and construction supervision valued at an additional €38 million.
Over the past three years, improvements exceeding €33 million have been implemented, including a new taxiway, the introduction of simultaneous dual front and rear boarding at ten gates, the reopening of a VIP lounge damaged by fire in 2020, the establishment of an airport management center, and the installation of solar panels on parking lot roofs.
