Pedro Sanchez’s government in Spain and their allies plan to cut domestic flights under 2.5 hours, except those connecting with international flights, as part of a coalition agreement.
This move aims to promote environmentally-friendly alternatives, primarily high-speed rail, which Spain has developed extensively since the 1990s.
The transport ministry will conduct a technical study to determine the impact of reducing these flights on various factors like connectivity and the environment.
Currently, high-speed trains do not connect with Spanish airports, although plans are underway to link Madrid airport by 2026.
Airlines have concerns that reducing domestic flights could disrupt passenger connectivity and hinder Spain’s competitiveness in long-haul travel.
Regarding specific carriers, Air Nostrum, which recently partnered with Hybrid Air Vehicles, may be better equipped to adjust to these route cuts due to its reservation of environmentally friendly Airlander 10 airships.
Routes like Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Alicante, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Sevilla, and Madrid-Valencia Manises would be affected, but these flights make up less than 1pc of total Spanish airport passengers.
