This new direct connection strengthens Barcelona’s international positioning as a hub for innovation, technology, and investment attraction linked to semiconductors; crowning years of work by the Barcelona Air Routes Development Committee (BARDC) to attract the Taiwanese airline.
Barcelona, 18 June 2026 — Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport will add a new strategic intercontinental connection with Asia, with plans for STARLUX Airlines to launch a direct route between Taipei (TPE) and Barcelona (BCN) during the first quarter of 2027, subject to the relevant approvals. The new operation represents a significant step forward in consolidating Barcelona’s international connectivity, and in strengthening economic, technological, and institutional ties with Taiwan, one of the world’s leading industrial and technology centers.
The introduction of this new connection is the result of sustained route development and promotion work led by BARDC, which has been in contact with STARLUX Airlines since the airline’s inception and has been particularly active since 2024, with the aim of positioning Barcelona as a strategic destination within the carrier’s European expansion plans.
This connectivity development effort forms part of BARDC’s new Strategic Plan 2030, which prioritizes strengthening long-haul connections with high-value, high-potential markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Taiwanese airline plans to operate the route with its Airbus A350 fleet, using both the A350-900 and A350-1000, depending on operational requirements. Both aircraft offer a four-class configuration – First Class, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy – positioning the new route within the premium long-haul segment. STARLUX is currently the only Taiwanese airline offering First Class service.
The Airbus A350-900 has 306 seats (4 First Class, 26 Business, 36 Premium Economy, and 240 Economy), while the A350-1000 has a capacity of 350 passengers (4 First Class, 40 Business, 36 Premium Economy, and 270 Economy).
The new route reinforces Barcelona’s connectivity strategy with Asia, a key region for global economic development and particularly relevant in high value-added technology sectors, consolidating the airport’s role as an increasingly important long-haul infrastructure in Southern Europe.
A connection with direct impact on ecosystem technology
Taiwan is currently a key player in the global semiconductor industry, accounting for around 60% of worldwide production and over 90% of the most advanced chips. In this context, the direct connection with Taipei strengthens Barcelona’s ambition to establish itself as a European hub for innovation, research, and semiconductor design.
Barcelona is actively working to attract design centers and activities linked to this industry, which is considered strategic for the economy of the future. Internationally recognized scientific and technological facilities such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) position Barcelona’s ecosystem among the most competitive in Europe for attracting talent, research, and investment.
The new connectivity also comes at a time of strong sector growth. According to the latest Digital Talent Overview 2026 report by Mobile World Capital Barcelona, semiconductor-related professional profiles are experiencing the highest growth in demand, with an increase of 97.01%, highlighting the sector’s development potential in Barcelona.
In the same vein, the Barcelona City Council led an institutional and business mission to Taiwan in 2024 focused specifically on the semiconductor sector and the promotion of technological collaborations and investment opportunities. The new air link will help facilitate business, scientific, and institutional exchanges between both ecosystems.
The route also aligns with the Barcelona Impulsa strategy, aimed at economic diversification and attracting high value-added activities, reinforcing Barcelona’s international positioning as a global city connected to major knowledge and innovation hubs.
STARLUX’s planned entry into Barcelona will expand premium connectivity options with Asia and generate new opportunities for high-quality tourism, business, and academic and corporate exchanges.
About BARDC
The Barcelona Air Routes Development Committee (BARDC) was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting new intercontinental routes from Barcelona Airport. Its members include the Government of Catalonia, the Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, and Aena.
Source: www.starlux-airlines.com / www.barcelonalinks.org
Photo: #Airbus
