Air travel law finalized with key subsidies for islands
Spain’s Congress has concluded the debate on amendments to the Air Navigation Law, marking the final parliamentary step before its official publication. A central element of this legislation is a special €319 million credit designed to compensate airlines for offering a 75% discount on flights for residents of the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
Political debate over airline compensation
The Popular Party (PP) attempted to amend this figure in the Senate, pushing to increase the subsidy to €1.2 billion, a amount championed by airline industry groups like the Airline Association (ALA). However, Congress rejected this proposal, upholding the original €319 million set by the government. The PP also successfully introduced an amendment that will now allow the island councils (consells and cabildos) to participate in drafting the third Airport Regulation Document (Dora III). Other PP proposals, including a decarbonization plan that protects existing routes, a cybersecurity strategy, and the creation of a professional association for air traffic controllers, were not approved.
Claims of government overreach and delays
During the debate, both the PP and Vox criticized the rejection of the higher subsidy, noting it had been approved by the Senate where the PP holds a majority. Vox deputy Carlos Flores condemned what he called the government’s “deceitful tactic” of eliminating the amendment, accusing them of using a “guillotine” instead of scissors to block a measure that promoted equality among mainland and island Spaniards. PP deputy Óscar Ramajo Prada argued that the veto contradicted Constitutional Court doctrine and that their proposed sum was necessary to solve a problem created by the government that jeopardizes the islands’ essential connectivity.
Defending the subsidy and welcoming local input
Socialist deputy Milena Herrera countered that the PP’s amendments had unnecessarily delayed the law’s enactment, which would otherwise have been published in July. She labeled the PP’s subsidy proposal “delusional,” arguing it served only the interests of large corporations and could lead to higher ticket prices. She defended the €319 million agreed upon by the PSOE and the Canary Coalition. However, Herrera welcomed the approved amendment giving island councils a voice in Aena’s airport regulation process.
Criticism from regional parties
Félix Alonso from Sumar’s En Comú also criticized the €1.2 billion figure as “abusive” and disconnected from the real cost of the resident discounts, suggesting it instead reflected the interests of “aeronautical lobbies” and even referenced the “Ryanair CEO’s manual.” Meanwhile, PNV deputy Nerea Rentería criticized the law for not allowing Basque institutions to participate in the management of local Aena airports, a sentiment echoed by representatives from Junts and ERC, who similarly seek greater regional management capacity without asking for special privileges.
