Viladecans Divided Over Airport Expansion and Rising Polarization

Local associations debate the environmental impact of El Prat airport and express concern over hate speech.

Generic image of the Llobregat Delta natural environment with the airport in the background.
IA

Generic image of the Llobregat Delta natural environment with the airport in the background.

Various organizations in Viladecans have voiced concerns regarding the future of the Llobregat Delta due to the El Prat airport expansion and the rise of exclusionary political rhetoric.

The social fabric of Viladecans remains critical of large infrastructure projects. Lluís Badenas, president of the Castellers de Viladecans, warns that the expansion could damage protected areas like La Ricarda. Similarly, Sandra Morcillo from the Hispanidad neighborhood association highlights the risk to the Remolar wetlands and local agricultural land.

"Any decision on major infrastructure should consider not only immediate economic benefits but also environmental limits."

Lluís Badenas · President of Castellers de Viladecans
On the economic side, the Hospitality Guild and the Commercial Network acknowledge the airport as a strategic engine but fear the loss of the Agricultural Park. Groups like the Peña Bética and the Torre-Roja association demand that any growth must lead to more jobs and better services for the local community.
Social cohesion is another major concern. Representatives from Can Palmer and the Fundación Espejo warn about the growth of far-right movements and political radicalization. Meanwhile, the Viladecans Women's Basketball Club emphasizes sports as a space for coexistence, rejecting any form of racism or xenophobia.