Pyrenees' First Vertiport Tender Launched at Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport

Aeroports de Catalunya has launched a tender this week for the design and construction of the Pyrenees' first vertiport at Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport, with a maximum budget of 555,000 euros. The infrastructure will enable operations for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), including air taxis, and small cargo drones, positioning the airport as a pioneer in advanced air mobility within Spain.

Announced during Thursday's meeting of the airport's Strategic Board, which included representatives from the Andorran government and Andorra Turisme, the project is part of the EU-funded NIU.LINK initiative under the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra (POCTEFA 2021-2027) programme. It seeks to develop a cross-border drone corridor between Catalonia and France, with the airport as a central node. Recent flight tests in the Vall d'Aran involved technical partners Innov'ATM, Pildo Labs, and Cargo Drone Solutions/Pirineos Drone.

The vertiport will include two takeoff platforms—one for air taxis and one for small cargo drones—plus two modular buildings for operational support, offices, and workspaces, along with associated landscaping. Catalan Territorial, Housing and Ecological Transition councillor Sílvia Paneque called it confirmation of the airport's strong performance and support for strategic projects like this one.

The board reviewed activity through May: 2,798 operations, a 25.1% rise from the previous year, and 8,228 passengers, up 5.9%. All 15 existing hangars are fully occupied, with three more awarded and awaiting tenant construction. To address growing demand for private aircraft and operators, the airport has finalised plans for a new progressive hangar expansion area. Construction is also advancing on a permanent services building for the Generalitat de Catalunya's mountain rescue and emergency groups (GRAE), which specialise in operations in challenging terrains using helicopters and other aerial means.

The board discussed coordinating commercial flights with paragliding at Organyà, with initial trials planned for July under Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) guidelines.

Separately, the Andorran Family Business Association (EFA) urged a direct flight to France to improve external links. Vice-president Paula Tarrado described it as "very interesting," noting it would open access to the rest of Europe, boost competitiveness for businesses and visitors, and complement demands for Schengen status at the airport and heliport. She supported public-private partnerships for funding and interest from new airlines. Current year-round subsidised routes to Madrid and Palma de Mallorca are operated by Air Nostrum, with efforts ongoing to add destinations.