The Government of Navarra has taken a decisive step to strengthen the connectivity of Pamplona/Noáin Airport by launching, for the first time, a €4 million tender to establish two new national routes and two European connections for the 2026–2028 period.
A strategic measure to attract business, talent and tourism
The contract, managed through the Electronic Procurement Platform (PLENA), is divided into four lots corresponding to the routes to be strengthened or re-established:
- One lot to connect Navarra with destinations such as London, Rome or Milan.
- Another to secure a link with Germany (Frankfurt or Munich).
- A third to establish a new connection with Andalusia (Seville or Málaga).
- A fourth lot aimed at restoring the route to Barcelona.
The proposal foresees two weekly flights to European and southern Spanish destinations, and three weekly flights for the Barcelona route.
Why is this initiative key for Navarra?
The project responds to several strategic priorities for the region:
- Enhancing regional competitiveness: air connectivity is considered a key factor for attracting investment, talent, tourism and business activity.
- Meeting currently unmet internal demand: the Government estimates that in 2024 nearly 500,000 trips either originated from or arrived in Navarra through other airports.
- Ensuring a more balanced position for Navarra compared with other regions that enjoy a wider range of air connections.
- Consolidating Pamplona Airport as a strategic infrastructure for the region by opening new routes that benefit both tourism and business sectors.
Contract details and timeline
- The total value of the tender amounts to €4 million, distributed as follows: €1.4 million in 2026, and €1.3 million for each of the years 2027 and 2028, covering the lots for the establishment of new routes.
- Airlines bidding for the contract are expected to promote Navarra as a destination through integrated marketing activities.
- The submission deadline will be set once the tender notice is published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
What does this mean for foreign investment and Navarra’s development?
For Invest in Navarra, this new push to improve air connectivity enhances the region’s appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment and the establishment of international companies. Expanded air connections will make it easier to:
- Facilitate the movement of executives and key personnel between Navarra and major European hubs.
- Integrate Navarra into international business networks, particularly those linked to its high-value industrial base.
- Improve access to tourism from priority European markets.
- Strengthen the international visibility of the Navarra brand, supporting both investment projects and local exporters who rely on direct air access to markets.
Ultimately, this measure aligns with Invest in Navarra’s mission to promote the region’s competitiveness and internationalisation.
Improving air connectivity goes beyond transport—it acts as a driver of economic growth, skilled employment, and global integration.
Source: navarra.es