Aena threatens action over airport law

A proposed law on joint airport management in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands is heading to Spain’s Congress after the government dropped its veto on Tuesday. Aena, the airport operator, says the measure is unconstitutional and will take action if MPs approve it. The Balearic Parliament passed the proposal at the end of April.

Europa Press

At the heart of the dispute is a planned coordination committee for the islands’ airports. Aena says regional governments can take part in airport decisions, but cannot assume control of airports whose rules, oversight and regulation belong solely to the state. It says the proposed committee is not allowed under the current legal framework.

The company also points to the Spanish airport network’s principle of economic solidarity. Under that system, larger airports cover the losses of airports with low traffic.

The government had initially blocked the bill, saying it could cut Aena’s income and require compensation from the Secretariat of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility. It also warned of a direct effect on fares and air traffic, with a significant hit to Aena’s results and dividends.

Congress can now debate the proposal in the coming weeks. Aena says it expects the Cortes Generales to keep the text within the constitutional framework and has signalled that it will defend the existing law, the company and its shareholders if the bill is passed.

Mallorca airport law: Aena vows action if passed