Overview

• Catalan President Salvador Illa announced efforts to establish a direct flight between Barcelona and Tokyo, a long-discussed project dating back over 15 years.
• The Generalitat has initiated contacts with airlines to explore interest in operating the route, though no timeline has been set yet.
• Illa emphasized that the route is viable based on sufficient passenger demand and profitability, without requiring an expansion of El Prat airport.
• Catalonia hosts 255 Japanese companies and attracts over 300,000 Japanese tourists annually, underscoring the economic and cultural potential of the connection.
• During his visit, Illa met with Japanese officials and Catalan business representatives to strengthen bilateral ties and promote Catalonia as a hub for investment and tourism.