Spanish Senate pressures AENA over proposed airport fee hikes

The Spanish Senate, led by the governing People's Party, is questioning the Ministry of Transport about AENA's plan to raise airport charges for the 2027‑2031 period. The inquiry follows a CNMC report that recommended a 0.59% annual reduction instead of the 3.82% increase proposed by AENA under the DORA III regulatory framework. Senators asked whether the government will block any fee increase that could raise ticket prices and affect tourism and mobility for millions of citizens.

AENA has announced investment of €9.991 billion to expand capacity, modernise facilities and improve safety, but airlines have opposed the higher fees, saying the cost forecasts do not match expected traffic growth. The Ministry must decide by September whether to adopt the regulator’s recommendation or proceed with AENA's plan, which could be contested in national courts.