The project, to be paid for by Spanish airport operator Aena, could be a test case for the European Union, which will have to decide whether to back the expansion near an environmentally protected area as it seeks to cut pollution.
It also flies in the face of Barcelona's stated plans to reduce visitor numbers amid growing anger from residents over the impact of mass tourism.
Catalonia's president, Salvador Illa, said expanding the airport was critical for it to become a major hub for intercontinental connections, offering more flights from Asia and the Americas to attract talent and investment as Spain strives to focus on a smaller number of wealthier tourists.

"I honestly believe that the project is technically the best and most balanced and I am satisfied with the ambition of the measures and the environmental trade-offs associated," Illa said at the regional government palace.

A Catalan government source told reporters that authorities were "totally convinced" the expansion would be given the greenlight by Brussels.
--Reuters--