IATA vs. AENA on Airport Charges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed outrage at the recent remarks from Maurici Lucena, Chairman and CEO of AENA, the operator of the vast majority of airports in Spain, suggesting that airlines calling for airport charges reductions were “compromising safety and security.”

Context:
Maurici Lucena, Chairman of AENA (Spain’s airport operator), claimed that airlines pushing for lower airport charges were “compromising safety and security.”

IATA’s response:
- Strongly rejected the claim as scaremongering.
- Emphasized that safety is the top priority for airlines and the aviation industry.
- Criticized AENA’s justification for a 16% increase in airport charges as “flimsy.”

Economic Reality
- Airlines argue charges should reflect:
- Passenger growth
- Appropriate investment
- Reasonable returns
- Despite rising costs (regulatory, environmental, fuel, ATC), airlines have delivered more affordable connectivity:
- Airfares in Spain down 9% since 2019 (inflation-adjusted).
- Across Spain’s 15 largest airports, fares fell 6–37% over the past decade.

AENA’s Financial Position
- Earned €1.32 billion more than allowed under Spain’s regulatory framework in recent periods.
- In 2024, AENA’s net profit margin was 36.4%, compared to 3.5% for European airlines.

IATA’s Call
- Advocates for independent, transparent, consultative regulation aligned with ICAO principles.
- Seeks balanced engagement between airports, airlines, passengers, and the economy.
- Urges collaboration over rhetoric to ensure Spain’s aviation sector remains competitive and sustainable.

This dispute highlights the tension between airport operators seeking higher returns and airlines fighting to keep travel affordable.