Mobile World Congress 2026 will take place March 2–5, 2026, at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. The event regularly attracts 100,000+ attendees and remains one of Europe’s most concentrated high-traffic periods for business aviation, particularly Part 91 operators.

“Mobile World Congress drives compressed GA demand into a short operating window. Parking fills early, slots tighten quickly, and flexibility for last-minute revisions is extremely limited,” said Gonzalo Barona Jr., General Manager, Universal Aviation Spain.

Primary Airport

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (LEBL) is the primary airport for Barcelona. It operates 24 hours with no curfew for Stage 3 and above aircraft.

Airline peak activity is typically 0700–1400 local. Outside major events, LEBL seldom experiences significant GA arrival/departure holds. During MWC, however, ramp saturation and slot demand increase materially.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport (LEGE) is the preferred alternate when parking is unavailable at LEBL.

MWC Barcelona is hosted by GSMA annually in Barcelona and regularly attracts 100,000+ attendees, making it one of the largest tradeshows in the world. It is held at Fira de Barcelona, the city’s tradeshow institution.

Preferred Airport

Barcelona (LEBL) is the primary airport for Barcelona, with Girona (LEGE) as the alternate option if aircraft parking becomes an issue. For General Aviation (GA) operations to Barcelona and MWC, LEBL is the most frequently used airfield and usually the airport of choice. Runways, taxiways, and ramp areas at LEBL are in good condition. LEBL is a 24-hour airport of entry with no noise restrictions or curfews for Stage 3 and above operations. Peak hours of scheduled commercial activity are typically 0700-1400 local, but this location seldom experiences arrival/departure holds or delays. Our Barcelona Destination Guide has all the details on operating to Barcelona.

Slots, Parking, and PPR

Airport slots are required for all private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations into and out of LEBL.

PPR is not normally required but may be implemented during high-traffic periods.

Approximately 40 GA parking positions are available at LEBL. Barona emphasizes, “Extended parking during MWC should not be assumed. Operators should plan for drop-and-go scenarios with repositioning to alternates.”

Late slot revisions are difficult once approvals are issued.

Hotels, Transport, and Catering

Hotel demand increases sharply during MWC, with premium properties selling out well in advance and rates elevated throughout event week. Standard 4-star crew pricing increases materially compared to baseline periods.

Due to city congestion and limited central parking, pre-arranged car-with-driver transport is recommended over rental vehicles.

Inflight catering is available 24/7 at LEBL. A minimum 24-hour lead time is advised for specialty or high-end requests during event week.

Operational Planning Considerations

• Secure slots and parking as early as possible
• Anticipate drop-and-go with repositioning
• Avoid late aircraft swaps or schedule revisions
• Confirm crew accommodations and transport well in advance

MWC remains a manageable event with early planning and disciplined coordination. Operators who delay slot or parking requests risk reduced optionality and increased repositioning requirements.

Conclusion

Attendees to the Mobile World Congress Barcelona should plan in advance to ensure the best parking and third-party options. Barcelona (LEBL) Airport will see heavy congestion during the period of the event. Universal Aviation Spain can help.