Airline predictions challenge crisis claims

Mariano Rajoy and Soraya Sáenz de Santamaria have been at pains to repeat often that the independence process is causing a serious disruption to the Catalan economy, and especially in the tourism sector. Recent data refutes these claims by confirming that one of the main pillars of the tourism industry in the country, El Prat airport, continues to operate at full speed. The latest figures were released this week by Aena, the State’s own airport management authority, which showed that companies based in Prat are planning to cater to almost 21 million travellers in the winter season, 13.4% more than for the same period last year. The figure is important in itself, but even more when compared to the national average which is expected to increase 11% over the entire network of airports. Madrid has been overtaken by Barcelona also in relative terms, as the capital’s airport is only expected to grow by 7% with a total of 26 million travellers. Behind the rise in the number of travellers is a prediction for increased demand but also an increase in the number of routes available. In the case of Barcelona, the airline companies will offer 43 new routes this winter, among them Level’s Barcelona-Buenos Aires link. Catalonia is still Spain’s top tourist destination with 15.7 million visitors so far this year.