The Spanish competition authority CNMC has questioned airport operator Aena’s proposal and recommended an annual reduction of 0.59pc in airport charges for the 2027 to 2031 period. This directly challenges Aena’s original strategic plan to implement an annual fee increase of 3.8pc to support its multi-billion euro infrastructure investments.
The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC, Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia) issued recommendations advising a targeted reduction of 0.59pc per year. This counter-proposal intends to safeguard market competitiveness and limit costs passed to airlines and passengers.
State-owned operator Aena originally sought a 3.8pc annual fee increase(roughly €0.43 per passenger each year). Aena argues that these adjusted user fees are critical to bankrolling its €13 billion airport expansion plan intended to modernise high-stress travel infrastructure.
Global airline advocacy bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA)and local associations had pushed back against Aena’s increases, calling for an even deeper 4.9pc annual reduction. Airlines claim Aena systematically underestimates traffic growth to maximize returns.
The CNMC’s stance serves as a strong regulatory recommendation. The official framework—known as the Airport Regulation Document (DORA III)—must be finalized and approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers by September 2026 at the latest.
Following the CNMC’s decision, low-cost carriers like Ryanair have already signaled a willingness to restore or expand capacity at Spanish regional airports if the government enforces the lower tariff structure. Ryanair issued a press release calling for a similar reduction in Dublin.
