Canary Islands Push Back Against Airport Fee Hike
Aena’s board approved a 6.5% increase in airport fees effective 2026, sparking widespread opposition across the Canary Islands. Regional government, island councils, business representatives, and political parties argue the hike will drive up ticket prices, reduce connectivity, and damage the archipelago’s tourism competitiveness. The adjustment would raise the Maximum Adjusted Revenue per Passenger (IMAAJ) to €11.03—an increase of 68 cents per traveler—pending approval by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).
Breakdown of the Fee Increase
According to Aena, 45 cents of the hike accounts for unrecovered delays from 2024, while 17 cents of the remaining 23-cent increase stems from standard airport fee index adjustments. The Canary Islands Government, which learned of the decision through media reports, warns it will severely impact air connectivity. Officials cite the Autonomous Statute, which grants the region decision-making power in matters affecting its transportation links, and demand representation on Aena’s board.
Special Status for Remote Regions
María Fernández, Director of Transport for the regional government, emphasized that Canary Islands’ Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF) mandates discounted fees for outermost regions to offset their geographic isolation. Tenerife’s Island Council, controlled by CC and PP parties, passed a motion urging Aena to exempt Canarian airports from the increase. They proposed studying discounted rates for island residents, noting air travel is essential rather than optional for islanders.
Business Leaders Sound Alarm
Santiago Sesé, president of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Chamber of Commerce, called for complete exemption, warning higher ticket prices would erode the islands’ tourism appeal. He noted Canarian airports rank among Spain’s most profitable, justifying regional representation on Aena’s board. Sesé urged unified action from public institutions and private sector stakeholders to reverse the decision.
Political Opposition Mounts
The Canary Islands’ Popular Party denounced the “centrally imposed, purely economic decision” that disproportionately affects islanders. Senator Rosa Viera demanded Spain’s government intervene, insisting EU rules for outermost regions (RUP) require compensatory measures. Meanwhile, La Gomera’s president Casimiro Curbelo rejected “penalizing essential air connectivity,” proposing a customized fee system acknowledging the archipelago’s unique status.
As tensions escalate, Canarian authorities unanimously argue the hike contradicts legal protections for remote territories where air travel isn’t a luxury—but a lifeline.
