International Air Transport Association and Spanish Airline Association urge 4.9% annual cut in Spanish airport charges

IATA and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) have called for a 4.9% annual reduction (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges between 2027 and 2031, arguing that such a move would remain compatible with nearly €10 billion in planned airport investments while strengthening Spain’s economic competitiveness.

The proposal comes in response to plans by Aena, which has requested a 3.8% annual increase in charges under Spain’s forthcoming Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III).

Airlines Challenge Traffic Forecasts and Returns

Airlines contend that Aena has systematically underestimated passenger growth in previous regulatory periods. Between 2017 and 2025 — excluding pandemic years — actual traffic averaged 15.3% above forecast levels set under earlier regulatory frameworks.

According to IATA and ALA, this forecasting gap generated €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns for Aena. In 2024 alone, Aena’s regulated return reached 10.2%, around four percentage points above the expected level, equating to nearly €400 million in additional costs borne by airlines and passengers.

Investment Plan Still Viable, Airlines Say

IATA maintains that a 4.9% annual reduction would not jeopardise Aena’s €10 billion investment programme during DORA III. Independent consultancy studies cited by the associations forecast average annual passenger growth of 3.6% — significantly higher than Aena’s 1.3% projection — allowing the operator to achieve a projected 6.35% return on capital while fully funding planned infrastructure projects.

Airlines argue that lower charges would enhance Spain’s competitiveness as an international tourism and business destination, stimulate broader economic activity, and ensure a more balanced regulatory outcome.

The debate now moves to regulators, who must determine the final charge structure for Spain’s airports over the 2027–2031 period.