*Last updated on: December 8, 2020
COVID-19 Measures at El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused chaos in the aviation sector, but global airports have responded with creative ways to safeguard travelers. That's definitely the case at Barcelona El Prat Airport. But what COVID-19 safety measures at Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport do passengers need to know about? Let's find out more.
What airport measures are currently in place for travelers?
All airports managed by AENA have implemented a comprehensive range of safety measures, and this includes Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport. Face masks are mandatory, an app - Radar COVID has been introduced to log negative Covid tests before flying, and all travelers need to complete Health Control Forms before arrival. Airport buildings are closed to non-passengers, social distancing is being enforced, and cleaning measures have been drastically stepped up. So a lot is being done to keep infections to a minimum.
Do immigration or security checkpoints have new procedures?
Yes. All travelers must now complete a Health Control Form which includes information about their onward destination and Covid status, and it's recommended that you complete it before touching down. Aside from that, temperature checks are in place at passport control, and access to Spain may be limited from certain countries (although travel from Canada, the UK and the USA should be hassle-free). Check here for the latest information COVID-19 regulations.
Are there any COVID-19 testing facilities at Barcelona El Prat Airport?
No. The airport has started to screen passengers with temperature checks, but there is no COVID-19 testing center on site. If you do need to obtain test results after arrival, it will be necessary to do so via private healthcare providers. High street pharmacies can usually carry out rapid tests to detect an infection and deliver negative or positive findings, although fees will apply.
What are the social distancing and face covering policies at Barcelona El Prat Airport?
As with all AENA-managed airports, travelers passing through Barcelona El Prat Airport must keep 1.5 meters apart at all times (aside from parents and their children). Floor markings have been provided to enable travelers to keep the required distance, and check-in areas have been reorganised to make life easier as well. Face masks are mandatory throughout the airport, and replacement masks can be purchased from vending machines with ease. Parents may also want to note that masks are not required for children aged under six.
Is there a clinic at Barcelona El Prat Airport?
No. There is no dedicated medical care facility on the El Prat Airport site, although numerous pharmacies are available, and there are heart care areas fitted with defibrillators. If you need to consult a medical professional, it's best to make arrangements with a nearby clinic or to do so before flying.
How often is Barcelona El Prat Airport being cleaned during the COVID-19 crisis?
AENA has increased cleaning teams and frequencies, ensuring that all public spaces are disinfected on a nightly basis. Protective screens have also been added for all public-facing staff members, reducing the risk of infection, and hand sanitizer has been added at stations located throughout the site.
Are the shops and restaurants at El Prat open as normal during the pandemic?
No. Many restaurants, bars and shops closed completely at the start of the outbreak and have slowly been returning to normal operation. For the duration of the pandemic, passengers should expect all businesses on the El Prat Airport site to operate limited opening hours and restrict the number of patrons allowed inside at one time. However, it's still easy to find fast food, Spanish cuisine and global alternatives upon arrival. And passengers will be able to shop for travel essentials, magazines, and duty free, or to use the terminal's banking services.
Are there any special guidelines or other information that travelers should be aware of?
As noted earlier, travelers won't be able to meet relatives or friends in the arrivals area at Barcelona El Prat Airport, so it will be necessary to make arrangements to meet elsewhere. Transport into the city operates as normal, although capacity limits for trains and buses may lead to some delays at peak periods. There may also be some delays at baggage reclaim, as access to carousels is regulated to reduce social mixing.
Are there any links to useful government websites for travelers?
AENA, the company which manages Spanish airports, has provided a FAQ sheet to inform arrivals at Barcelona El Prat Airport. Additionally, those flying to Catalonia with their booking from BudgetAir.com may wish to bookmark the government's Spain Travel Health pages, which are particularly handy when dealing with paperwork.
