Experts warn that the expansion of airports in the Balearic Islands will worsen the housing crisis.

PalmThe Platform Against Airport Expansion warns that expanding airports in the Balearic Islands could worsen the housing crisis and the over-tourism of the archipelago. In a statement, the organizations that make up the platform—including the GOB (Balearic Ornithological Group)—express "serious social concern" about the direction of Aena's airport policy, which—they claim—has the approval of both the Spanish government and the Balearic government. The activists recall that the Dora II Plan (2019-2025) already expanded the facilities, with more walkways, the widening of Terminals A and D in Palma, and increased parking capacity. But they warn that the future Dora III Plan (2027-2031) "is a ticking time bomb": it plans to allocate 600 million euros to Palma within a total package of 13 billion euros across Spain.

The plan also includes investments of €229.7 million for Ibiza Airport and €170.7 million for Menorca Airport, which—according to the platform—will consolidate a model based on the constant increase in visitors. According to the platform, the increase in air traffic and the opening of new routes have direct consequences for the real estate market. "It has incentivized the purchase of properties by foreign funds," they assert. As an example, they point to the direct flight between Palma and New York, which—they claim—triggered a 300% increase in the sale of luxury homes in Mallorca. Given this scenario, the platform proposes limiting the number of flights and passengers, preventing new routes, eliminating night flights, and banning private jets. They also demand a halt to tourism promotion, the removal of subsidies for aviation fuel, and a reduction in airport congestion. The organizations conclude that, without a change of course, the archipelago will experience heightened social tensions stemming from rising housing costs and tourist pressure.