The Spanish airlines association ALA has escalated its disagreement with Aena over airport tariffs and security requirements. The dispute centres on the proposed tariff framework for Spanish airports with both sides pressing for solutions that balance costs safety and operational needs in the national aviation sector.
The dispute between the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) and airport operator Aena has intensified following Aena’s February 2024 proposal for the DORA III regulatory period (2027–2031).
Aena has proposed an annual fee increase of 3.8pc (excluding inflation) to fund a €13bn investment plan. In contrast, ALA and IATA (International Air Transport Association) are demanding a 4.9pc annual reduction in charges, arguing that Aena can still fund its investments while earning a reasonable return.
ALA accuses Aena of “gaming the system” by chronically under-forecasting passenger traffic to pocket excess regulated returns. While Aena predicts 1.3pc annual growth, airlines forecast a much higher 3.6pc increase.
The airline lobby claims that between 2017 and 2025, Aena generated €1.3bn in surplus profits because actual traffic exceeded its low forecasts by 15pc.
Immediate 2026 Increase: Separate from the long-term DORA III plan, Spain’s competition regulator has already approved a 6.5pc fee hike starting in March 2026. This has already led carriers like Ryanair to announce capacity cuts and base closures in Spain.
Aena maintains that fee increases are “essential” to meet the “highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental sustainability” as it modernises its network.
The Spanish Airline Association (ALA) continues to urge regulators to reject Aena’s proposal, warning that higher charges will hurt Spain’s tourism competitiveness and lead to higher ticket prices
