Canary Islands government reaches airport management agreement

The Spanish central government and the Government of the Canary Islands have reached an agreement to establish a parity-based bilateral commission to oversee the archipelago's airports. The new body will consist of four representatives from each administration and is scheduled to hold its first meeting on October 29.

The agreement includes the formal recognition of the Canary Islands' unique status as an ultra-peripheral archipelago and provides for the monitoring of works outlined in the Airport Regulation Document (DORA), which dictates Aena's investment cycles. While the pact aims to improve coordination and information sharing, political leaders from Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista have criticized the deal, arguing it does not guarantee effective regional participation in decision-making regarding airport management, investments, or fees.

Separately, the Canary Islands government is preparing a 2027 budget of 13,209 million euros. While the budget represents a 5.7% increase, it includes significant reductions in the departments of Ecological Transition and Tourism due to the expiration of European funds. Conversely, spending is set to rise in healthcare, education, and social welfare.