The 2031 Ryder Cup, to be held at Camiral , will not only reaffirm Spain’s position as a key international golf destination but also represents a high-value opportunity for the commercial aviation sector. With 200,000 visitors expected and an estimated economic impact of over 100M, the event is set to generate significant demand for international air connectivity.
Girona-Costa Brava: A Key Airport for a World-Class Event
Located just 9 minutes from the tournament venue, Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)—managed by Aena—will serve as the natural gateway for a large portion of Ryder Cup attendees, especially those coming from priority markets such as the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, which are among Europe’s top golf tourism source countries.
In anticipation of this major event, Aena is currently reviewing the airport’s Master Plan to assess and schedule operational and infrastructure upgrades that will ensure the necessary capacity, efficiency, and service quality in time for the tournament.
A Catalyst for Transforming Regional Air Connectivity
From the perspective of airline operators and airport planners, the Ryder Cup presents several strong arguments for investing in air connectivity with Girona:
1. Concentrated International Demand
Ryder Cup visitors typically have high purchasing power and a strong propensity to spend. In the 2018 edition held in Paris, average daily spending exceeded €300 per person. This profile values comfort and direct access, opening the door for both regular routes and high-end charter services.
2. Off-Season Traffic Generation
The tournament takes place outside the traditional peak travel season, helping relieve pressure on airports like Barcelona-El Prat while enabling Girona to absorb additional traffic without congestion. According to studies from previous editions (e.g., VisitScotland 2014), 57% of attendees extended their stay before or after the tournament, generating a sustained tourism impact.
3. Global Exposure and Destination Promotion
The Ryder Cup is broadcast to over 600 million viewers worldwide, offering global visibility for Girona and the Costa Brava. Air connections established during the event could act as a catalyst for new regular routes, as seen after similar events in Scotland and France.
4. Untapped Potential and Room for Growth
Girona Airport has available infrastructure and unused operational capacity, making it a viable and competitive option for attracting new operations—especially if supported by incentives and improved accessibility, such as the long-anticipated high-speed rail link to the airport.
Preparing for 2031: A Long-Term Vision
The 2031 Ryder Cup should be viewed as a strategic project for Girona Airport, and by extension, for the entire Catalan airport system. With a long-term and regional planning approach, the event can accelerate:
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Investments in airport infrastructure and intermodal access.
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Airline attraction campaigns for new international routes.
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The integration of the airport into a more diversified, sustainable, and high-quality tourism model.
For aviation professionals, network planners, and airport operators, the Ryder Cup is more than a one-off traffic peak—it’s a structural transformation opportunity that should be anticipated, planned, and fully leveraged.
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