Menorca flights: Parliament backs low-season minimums

Menorca flights to Barcelona could be protected by minimum low-season services after the Balearic Parliament backed a push for a public service obligation, known as an OSP. The chamber approved the move on Wednesday 9 September, urging Spain’s central government and European institutions to introduce the measure. It would also seek a maximum fare scale accessible to residents.

The proposal was brought by Més per Menorca MP Josep Castells, who said the route has fewer services and more expensive tickets. He called on the Balearic Government to press the case.

Backing for route, not for incentives

Parliament approved only part of Castells’s motion. It rejected a call for a new OSP pilot proposal and a plan for the Balearic and central governments to create incentives aimed at persuading airlines to add more low-season flights.

PP MP Margalida Pocoví supported an OSP for the Menorca-Barcelona route but said the request must go to the central government, which holds the powers. She also backed incentives for airlines, again saying the matter should be put to the state.

Row over the Balearic Government’s role

Castells rejected the PP amendments, arguing that Parliament must hold the Balearic Government to account because it still has responsibilities over air transport. He said none of five letters sent during the current term by Housing, Territory and Mobility Minister José Luis Mateo to Transport Minister Óscar Puente dealt with connectivity.

PSOE MP Verónica Llufriu also supported the OSP, saying it should be introduced with full legal safeguards. She said the Balearic Government had a duty to fight for air travel that was sufficient and affordable for residents.

Vox MP Sergio Rodríguez and MÉS per Mallorca MP Ferran Rosa also backed the Menorca proposal and raised concerns about Balearic connectivity.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com