Spanish airports deploy AI to improve aircraft turnaround

Airports in Barcelona, Madrid and Palma de Mallorca have begun deploying an AI-based system to monitor aircraft turnaround and ground operations, as part of efforts by national operator Aena to improve efficiency and coordination across high-traffic hubs.

The system, introduced in collaboration with Indra and Synaptic Aviation, is being implemented at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas and Palma de Mallorca airports, which together handle more than 150 million passengers annually.

The platform uses video analytics to monitor aircraft turnaround processes in real time, capturing key activities such as refuelling, catering and ground handling operations. The system provides a continuous view of apron activity, helping airport teams and airlines better coordinate operations.

“We’re committed to helping Aena remain at the forefront of airport innovation,” said Lidia Muñoz Pérez, Director of Ports and Airports at Indra Sistemas, emphasising that video analytics will improve the predictability of turnaround times and enable earlier identification of operational bottlenecks. The system will also deliver more accurate operational data to improve planning and day-to-day decision-making.

Photo by Angela Compagnone on Unsplash