Seeking to become one of Europe’s top airports, Barcelona International officially opened its Terminal T1 this month — a $1.7 billion structure that is shaped like an aluminum sword. It is expected to welcome 30 million passengers a year, doubling the airport’s capacity.
The curved and sleek terminal, which was designed by Ricardo Bofill, a native of Barcelona, reflects the latest in airport trends. Its environmentally friendly features include solar-powered water heaters and glass walls that let in plenty of daylight and views of the city. And its resort-like amenities — spa, fitness center, hair salon, multi-faith church, beds and, of course, some 80 stores and restaurants — suggest a world of long layovers and delayed flights.
Among the 19 airlines now based in T1 are US Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Spanair. They will soon be joined by American Airlines, Iberia and Vueling.
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