Spain Greenlights Airport Fee Increase for 2026 Igniting Conflict with Ryanair
Spain’s National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has recently approved significant changes to airport fees. An average increase of 6.44% will take effect in 2026. This adjustment comes alongside revised projections for passenger traffic, leading to a maximum adjusted revenue per traveler of €11.02.
Key Changes to Airport Fees
The CNMC announced that the legal cap which restricted ad hoc increases on tariffs over the past decade will expire next year. In July, Aena proposed raising fees by €0.68 per passenger, resulting in a new total of €11.03.
- Airport charges cover essential services including terminals, runways, jet bridges, and security controls.
- These fees are directly incorporated into ticket prices.
Review of Tariff Variation
Prior to this, the CNMC had already reviewed the P Index in July 2025. This index accounts for various costs beyond Aena’s direct control, including:
- Staff salaries
- Air navigation costs
- Electricity
- Local taxes
From 2017 to 2021, airport tariffs mostly remained stable or even decreased, with a notable 4.09% increase between 2023 and 2024 after a 3.5% P Index approval.
Asymmetric Increases Across Services
The fee adjustments for 2026 will not be uniform. They aim to balance service revenues with operating costs. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed increases:
| Service | Increase |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Parking | 12% |
| Landing Fees, Security, and Meteorology | 7.25% |
| Aerodrome Transit, Infrastructure Use, Handling, Catering, and Aviation Fuel | 5% |
Response from Airlines
This increase has raised tensions with Ryanair. The airline has reacted strongly, threatening to close bases and reduce seat capacity. Ryanair labels these charges as “abusive.”
In response, Aena and Spain’s Ministry of Transport maintain that the airport tariffs are among the most competitive in Europe. They have stated their commitment to not yielding to Ryanair’s demands.
Overall, the upcoming changes in airport fees represent a significant shift in Spain’s aviation landscape as the country prepares for future passenger growth.
