Airlines Call for Annual 4.9% Reduction in Spanish Airport Charges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) called for an annual reduction of 4.9% (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges over the next five years (2027–2031), a level compatible with maintaining an airport investment plan of nearly €10 billion over the same period, and enhancing Spain’s economic competitiveness.

Context
- Date: 18 February 2026
- Organizations involved: International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Spanish Airline Association (ALA).
- Proposal: Airlines are calling for an annual 4.9% reduction (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges from 2027–2031.

Airlines’ Position
- Airlines argue that the reduction is compatible with maintaining AENA’s planned €10 billion investment program during the same period.
- They reject AENA’s proposal of a 3.8% annual increase, citing:
- Traffic underestimation: Between 2017–2025 (excluding pandemic years), actual passenger traffic was 15.3% higher than AENA’s forecasts.
- Excessive returns: AENA earned €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns over previous regulatory periods.
- In 2024 alone, regulated returns reached 10.2%, about €400 million overpaid by airlines and passengers.

IATA’s Criticism
- Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional VP for Europe, accused AENA of “gaming the regulatory system” and warned that granting further increases would make AENA’s regulated return the highest of any comparable airport operator in Europe.
- He stressed that the proposed reduction would:
- Improve Spain’s competitiveness as an international destination.
- Stimulate investment and job creation.
- Still allow AENA to deliver its investment plan with a 6.35% return on capital (above DORA II levels).

Strategic Implications
- Airlines believe lower charges will benefit passengers, airlines, and Spain’s economy.
- Regulators are expected to review evidence from independent studies (Steer and CEPA) showing passenger traffic growth of 3.6% annually, far above AENA’s forecast of 1.3%.

This is a significant regulatory debate: airlines are pushing for lower costs to boost competitiveness, while AENA seeks higher charges to secure returns.