The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) called for a 4.9% annual reduction in Spanish airport charges.
IATA and ALA propose spreading the reduction over 2027–2031.
Details of the reduction
AENA, which operates most of Spain‘s airports, has proposed an annual increase of 3.8% over the next five years, covered by the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III).
Moreover, Airlines reject this proposal, stating AENA’s consistent underestimation of traffic growth and the excessive regulated returns it has earned previously.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, said:
“AENA has gamed the regulatory system for years, earning millions of euros more than it should have, at the expense of passengers, airlines, and the Spanish economy. This must stop. AENA has generated excessive returns through a creative approach to forecasting, and its request for further increases is absurd. If granted, it would deliver the highest regulated return of any comparable airport operator in Europe. This is unsustainable and unrealistic—we need to see a reduction in charges”
AENA’s role
Between the years 2017 and 2025, excluding the two pandemic years, the passenger traffic averaged 15.3% higher than predicted in DORA I and DORA II.
The gap resulted in AENA earning €1.3 billion in excess returns, paid by airlines and passengers.
In 2024, AENA’s regulated return was 10.2%, which was 4 percentage points more than the expected return, resulting in €400 million being overpaid by airlines and passengers.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, also added:
“Our proposal for a 4.9% cut in charges will improve Spain’s competitiveness as an international destination, stimulating investment and job creation across the wider economy. At the same time, AENA can still afford its €10 billion investment plan and deliver reasonable returns to its shareholders. This is a win-win for passengers, Spain, and the aviation industry. We look forward to regulators reviewing the evidence and reaching the right conclusions.”
Even with the proposed reductions, AENA can continue its €10 billion investment plan under DORA III. This investment is set to enhance Spain’s economic competitiveness.
What do you think about this reduction and the excess earnings by AENA? Let us know in the comments below!
