The CDRA, comprising the Generalitat, the City Council of Barcelona, the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, and AENA, aims to enhance connectivity with the Asian continent, identified as a strategic region in the new 2026-2030 strategic plan. Direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul strengthen ties with key economic, technological, industrial, and logistical centers.
The committee estimates a potential annual demand of over 1.8 million passengers between Barcelona and various Asian markets. This expansion, a result of joint efforts with airlines and sector stakeholders, establishes Barcelona among European airports with the broadest offering of direct connections to Asia, facilitating passenger and cargo transport.
Air China offers fourteen weekly flights to Beijing and seven to Shanghai during the summer months. Singapore Airlines operates five weekly flights to Singapore. Regarding the connection to South Korea, flights to Seoul will progressively operate under the Korean Air brand following the integration with Asiana Airlines, with plans to increase frequencies.
The CDRA's strategic plan identifies Asia as a priority market for expanding Barcelona's international connectivity, driven by its economic growth, increasing trade flows, and rising business and tourism travel. These routes are crucial for Catalonia's international competitiveness, facilitating business internationalization, and attracting investment.
Beyond passenger transport, these new air routes are vital for high-value cargo, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, fashion, and fresh produce. CDRA studies estimate a potential for over 1.8 million annual passengers without direct connections, in addition to the growth potential of existing routes.
