Aena releases eagerly awaited food & beverage mega-tender at Barcelona Airport

SPAIN. Airports group Aena today issued its eagerly anticipated tender for food & beverage outlets at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, across space of around 20,188sq m in terminals 1 and 2.

The opportunity was first flagged at the Airport Food & Beverage + Hospitality Conference in Barcelona in June in an address by Aena General Director of Commercial and Real Estate Maria José Cuenda.

The opportunity is colourfully titled ‘Muerde Barcelona’ or ‘Bite Barcelona’, to spark excitement among potential bidders.

The tender comprises 29 packages covering 49 outlets. Of the packages, 20 contain a single unit each, while the remaining nine contain between two and five units each. The space available is around +30% more than under the previous comparable bid for F&B space at the airport.

Aena told The Moodie Davitt Report that it aims to maintain well-established concepts such as fast food and traditional Spanish offerings like jamonerias and tapas, while “actively pursuing the introduction of innovative concepts”.

To encourage innovation, the airport company is tendering some units through the model of an open concept, to which concessionaires and brands can respond with their latest ideas.

In addition, Aena is seeking to incorporate a Michelin-starred unit, a Japanese cuisine concept and a wider range of healthy options, including a full gluten-free unit.

Aena is also aiming to enhance the presence of local brands, introducing new categories such as traditional Catalan vermouth, which should “authentically capture the essence of Barcelona’s streets within the airport environment”.

A key feature of the tender is the introduction of ‘Super Packages,’ which are expected to enhance the value of the airport’s outdoor terraces.

“These areas will be transformed into memorable experiences for our passengers, distinguished not only by high-quality food & beverage offerings but also by the unique character of the spaces themselves,” said Aena.

One Super Package comprises two units totalling 1,500sq m within the terminal, complemented by a 4,000sq m terrace. The aim is to create a diverse mix of concepts, including a full-service dining experience, a fast-food concept for the indoor space and an entirely flexible outdoor area that may incorporate both F&B and retail elements.

The second Super Package offers 1,200sq m of outdoor space with the requirement to present two distinct categories, transforming the area into what Aena terms “a unique space”.

Aena said, “We are confident that both new and existing partners will recognise the unique opportunity presented by Barcelona Airport, as such an occasion is unlikely to arise again for approximately the next ten years.”

Crucially Aena has extended the duration of certain contracts from eight to ten to 12 years, ensuring that “all interested parties have the chance to participate and contribute to the development of outstanding spaces”.

The company is encouraging prospective partners to bring forward “innovative, sustainable solutions” with a particular focus on technology, digitalisation and operational efficiency.

Candidates should prioritise eco-friendly materials, energy-saving equipment and robust waste management practices in their proposals. Aena stressed the importance of integrating contactless payment systems, smart kitchen equipment and data-driven insights to enhance both passenger experience and operational performance.

Following publication of the tender today, bidders have two months to submit their proposals. A new feature, said Aena, is an offline presentation that will allow participants to elaborate on their vision for the spaces.

After an evaluation period, Aena expects to sign contacts with selected partners by February 2026. ✈