New Flight Development Fund Launched for Canary Islands
Canary Islands Tourism has introduced the new Flight Development Fund (FDV), an incentive program designed to support the launch of direct, regular air routes between the archipelago and international airports. Of the proposed routes, twenty-four are earmarked for La Palma, reflecting the island’s ongoing struggle to restore air connectivity after the 2021 volcanic eruption and pandemic disruptions.
Special Focus on La Palma’s Recovery
“La Palma has been given priority in this initiative because it hasn’t fully regained its pre-pandemic flight connections,” explains Jessica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Canary Islands Government. “By increasing both the number of potential routes and the incentive valuation coefficient for airlines operating here, we aim to close the gap.” Currently, La Palma’s summer connectivity remains 24% below 2019 levels, though winter figures show a promising 10.5% increase.
How the Subsidies Work
Managed by the public company Turismo de Islas Canarias, the FDV calculates subsidies based on route seasonality (annual or seasonal), weekly flight frequency, and distance from the origin airport. Airlines must make new routes available for booking by December 31, 2025, with subsidies lasting up to two years. The program targets airports in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and beyond, alongside transatlantic connections to the U.S. and Canada.
Diversifying Tourism Markets
“North American travelers are particularly valuable due to their higher spending power and strong interest in the archipelago’s landscapes and culture,” notes De León. The FDV identifies 62 potential new routes across the islands, including twelve each for Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, eight for Tenerife, and six for Fuerteventura. Subsidies will be awarded competitively, with airlines given one month to apply—extendable by four months if no bids are received.
A Strategic Boost for Connectivity
First established in 2014 and renewed in 2022 with EU approval, the FDV underscores the strategic importance of air travel for the Canary Islands’ economic and social development. The program prioritizes market diversification over sheer volume, aligning with the islands’ accommodation capacity and sustainable tourism goals.
