BARDC is working to consolidate existing connectivity and continue expanding Barcelona’s presence in key Asian markets, one of the main priorities of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
Barcelona, August 6, 2026. – The Barcelona Air Route Development Committee (BARDC) continues to strengthen the international positioning of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport by developing connectivity with Asia, one of the strategic regions identified in its new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
Thanks to the joint efforts of BARDC — comprising the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and Aena — working alongside airlines and key industry stakeholders, Barcelona now has its largest-ever offering of direct flights to Asia, consolidating its position among European airports with a greater range of direct connections to the continent.
Barcelona currently offers direct connections to some of Asia’s leading economic and financial hubs, enabling the movement of passengers and cargo between Catalonia and one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
| Airline | Destination | Frequencies per week | Aircraft |
| Air China | Beijing | From July to September, 14 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| Air China | Shanghai | Until June, 4 flights; from July, 7 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| China Eastern Airlines | Shanghai | From May to the end of July, 10 flights; the rest of the season, 7 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| Shenzhen Airlines | Shenzhen | From May to mid-June, 2 flights; the rest of the season ,3 flights | Airbus A330-300 |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong | 4 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore | 5 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| Asiana Airlines | Seoul-Incheon | 5 flights; from September, 7 flights | Airbus A350-900 |
| T’Way Air | Seoul-Incheon | In July and August, 2/3 flights; the rest of the season, 4 flights | Airbus A330-200
Boeing 777-300 |
| Azerbaijan Hava | Heydar-Azerbaijan | 4 flights | Airbus A320 Neo |
*Programming corresponding to the 2026 summer season
This offering represents a milestone for Barcelona’s intercontinental connectivity and confirms the confidence that leading Asian airlines have in the potential of the Catalan market. Direct connections with Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul strengthen ties between Catalonia and some of Asia’s leading economic, technological, industrial, and logistics hubs.
Regarding connectivity with South Korea, as part of the integration process of Asiana Airlines into Korean Air, flights between Barcelona and Seoul will gradually be operated under the Korean Air brand, once operational integration has been completed.
In addition, the airline has conveyed to BARDC its intention to further strengthen its presence in Barcelona, expressing its plans to increase the number of weekly frequencies on the route in the near future, in response to the high level of demand between the two markets and the growth opportunities offered by the destination.
Asia, a priority market for BARDC
BARDC’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan identifies Asia as one of the markets offering the greatest potential for further expanding Barcelona’s international connectivity. The region’s strong economic growth, increasing trade flows, and rising levels of business and leisure travel make this continent a priority for the strategy of attracting new routes.
The consolidation of existing connections helps strengthen Catalonia’s international competitiveness, facilitate the internationalization of businesses, attract investment, and increase the number of high value-added visitors. At the same time, these routes play a key role in the development of air cargo transport, particularly in such high-value sectors as pharmaceuticals, technology, fashion, and fresh produce.
A solid foundation for further growth
The current network of direct flights highlights the strength of the Barcelona–Asia market and its significant potential for further development. BARDC studies estimate that there is still a potential demand of over 1.8 million passengers a year between Barcelona and several Asian markets that currently have no direct connections. This figure is further complemented by the growth potential of existing routes, thanks to the demand-stimulating effect generated by direct connections.
This demand strengthens the growth prospects of the existing network and supports the work that BARDC will continue to undertake to consolidate current routes, increase their frequencies, and facilitate the gradual addition of new connections that will complement the existing offering.
Through this strategy, BARDC reaffirms its commitment to positioning Barcelona among the leading intercontinental hubs in southern Europe, driving an increasingly extensive and competitive network of international connections that supports Catalonia’s economic and business development.
About BARDC:
The Barcelona Air Route Development Committee (BARDC) was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting new intercontinental routes from Barcelona Airport. Its members are the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, and Aena.
www.barcelonalinks.org
Source: Aena
