Spanish Airport Charges have become the centre of a regulatory clash between airlines and airport operator AENA. Airlines are demanding a 4.9% annual reduction from 2027 to 2031. Therefore, the debate now focuses on competitiveness, investment, and fair returns.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) called for the reduction in Spanish Airport Charges, excluding inflation, over five years. They argue the cut would still support an airport investment plan of nearly €10 billion. In addition, they say it would strengthen Spain’s economic competitiveness.
However, AENA has proposed an annual increase of 3.8% under the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III). Airlines strongly reject this plan. They accuse AENA of underestimating traffic growth and earning excessive regulated returns in earlier periods.
Between 2017 and 2025, excluding pandemic years, passenger traffic exceeded forecasts by an average of 15.3%. This forecasting gap generated €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns. Meanwhile, airlines and passengers ultimately bore those costs through higher Spanish Airport Charges.
In 2024, AENA’s regulated return reached 10.2%. That figure stood four percentage points above its expected return. Therefore, nearly €400 million was effectively overpaid by airlines and passengers in that year alone.
Regional Vice President Europe at IATA, Mr. Rafael Schvartzman, criticised AENA’s regulatory approach. He alleged that AENA had benefited from optimistic forecasting models for years. However, he insisted that further increases in Spanish Airport Charges would be unsustainable and unrealistic.
Mr. Schvartzman warned that approving the increase would deliver the highest regulated return among comparable European airport operators. He described the proposal as harmful to passengers, airlines, and the broader Spanish economy. Therefore, he called for regulators to reject AENA’s request and support a reduction instead.
Spanish Airport Charges and Investment Viability
Supporters of the 4.9% cut argue that Spanish Airport Charges can fall without harming investment. Studies commissioned from global consultancies Steer and CEPA estimate annual passenger growth of 3.6%. This projection exceeds AENA’s forecast of 1.3% per year.
Under these assumptions, AENA could still fully fund its €10 billion investment programme during DORA III. In addition, it would earn a return on capital of 6.35%. Airlines argue this return remains more generous than originally intended under DORA II.
Mr. Schvartzman said the proposed reduction would enhance Spain’s position as a competitive international destination. He added that lower Spanish Airport Charges would stimulate wider economic growth. Meanwhile, he maintained that AENA could continue delivering reasonable shareholder returns.
The regulatory debate now shifts to Spanish authorities overseeing DORA III. Stakeholders await a decision balancing fair returns and national competitiveness. Further industry perspectives can be found via the official IATA website at https://www.iata.org.
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