Merce festival. Photo: steve bridge / Shutterstock.com Travelers using Barcelona’s Aerobús airport shuttle should expect changes to the service on Thursday, September 24, as the city’s Mercè parade affects traffic through the center of Barcelona.
According to Aerobús, the disruption will affect both the A1 and A2 airport bus lines from around 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., or until roads are reopened to traffic.
The main change will affect the central Plaça Catalunya stop, which will be temporarily cancelled in both directions.
Barcelona Airport. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKFor passengers traveling toward Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Aerobús services will instead begin their journey from Plaça Universitat. In the opposite direction, passengers arriving from the airport will have Plaça Universitat as the temporary final stop.
This means travelers who normally use Plaça Catalunya to board or leave the Aerobús will need to adjust their plans during the affected period.
The changes apply to both airport routes. The A1 serves Terminal 1, while the A2 operates to Terminal 2, making the disruption particularly relevant for passengers with afternoon and evening flights.
Aerobús advises passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly those traveling to or from the airport during the disruption. The operator also notes that the arrangements could change depending on instructions from Barcelona's local police.
The service changes are linked to La Mercè, Barcelona’s annual city festival, held around September 24 in honor of the city’s patron saint, Mare de Déu de la Mercè.
It is one of Barcelona’s biggest celebrations, bringing concerts, street performances, traditional Catalan culture, parades, fireworks and other events to streets and public spaces across the city. In 2026, the festival runs from September 23 to 27, with activities taking place throughout Barcelona.
KarenJudith / Shutterstock.comPassengers planning to catch a flight on Thursday afternoon should therefore check their departure time carefully and allow additional time to reach the airport, particularly if their normal journey involves Plaça Catalunya.
Aerobús continues to operate its airport shuttle service, but with the temporary change to the central Barcelona stops during the parade.