After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Areas is back on a strong growth trajectory, with a clear focus on expanding its presence in the U.S. market. In an interview with La Vanguardia, CEO Óscar Vela highlighted the company’s recovery, its international expansion strategy, and the decision to relocate its headquarters back to Barcelona. With operations in ten countries and a growing footprint in major American airports like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico’s Los Cabos, Areas has cemented its role as a key player in travel hospitality.
One of the company’s most significant achievements has been securing the majority share in Madrid-Barajas Airport’s latest food and beverage concession, obtaining 35 of the 55 available locations. This contract, valued at €1 billion over eight years, marks the largest restaurant concession in Spanish airport history and serves as a cornerstone of Areas’ post-pandemic growth strategy. Despite a sharp drop in revenue during the pandemic—46% in 2020 and 56% in 2021 compared to 2019—Areas has nearly regained its pre-pandemic employment levels, now boasting a global workforce of 20,000.
Vela highlighted the company’s diversified business model as a key factor in its resilience. While 50% of revenue comes from airports, another 25% is generated from railway stations and 25% from motorway service areas. The company’s strategic expansions, including acquiring Autogrill’s operations on the AP-7 and securing service area concessions in the U.S., have strengthened its global reach. Looking ahead, the U.S. remains a primary focus for growth, with Areas operating in ten major American airports and aiming to double its presence in the country within the next two to three years.
Returning Areas’ headquarters from Paris to Barcelona was another strategic move. Vela emphasized that it was a natural decision, as Barcelona provides a strong talent pool and global connectivity. Supported by its majority shareholder PAI Partners, Areas is now firmly positioned as the world’s third-largest travel foodservice operator, competing with major American and British groups while continuing to expand internationally.