A rise in airport charges sparks broad debate in the Canary Islands
The announcement confirmed a 4.09 percent increase in airport taxes versus March, a move that drew preliminary opposition from the Canary Islands Administration, airlines, and the tourism sector. The regional government argues that the tariff hike affects not only visitors, but also residents and businesses that rely on air travel to enter or leave the archipelago. There is no alternative transportation plan in place, and authorities warn that airports are strategic assets that should not bear tax increases. Maria Fernandez, the Director General of Transport, emphasizes the critical nature of keeping airports affordable for both residents and travelers.
Tourism Minister Jessica de León recalled a meeting in October with Maurici Lucena, the CEO of Aena, where the need to exempt the Canary Islands from the proposed rate increase was conveyed to the Ministry of Transport and the National Markets and Competition Commission. De León cautions that airports are essential to the islands’ territorial integrity, and the price hike would be borne by island residents as well as tourists.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated at a public event yesterday that the rate rise was relentless but would still fall short of 2019 levels. Puente noted that certain incentives and elements may be introduced to boost international traffic to regional airports, and he pointed out that there has been no airport tax increase in the last four years, while the consumer price index has risen by about 15 percent since 2019. He reminded audiences that the increase translates to roughly 40 cents per passenger.
From the aviation industry, the Airlines Association (ALA) expresses regret that Aena’s proposal diverges from what the union had urged, which was either a tariff freeze or a modest 1.5 percent rise. For airlines operating in a market still consolidating from pre-crisis travel, with lingering debt and fragile profitability, this decision is seen as weakening the sector’s competitiveness. The association says the increase does not help strengthen the industry, tourism, or the broader economy.
In the tourism sector, José María Mañaricua, president of the Las Palmas business association, notes that the Canary Islands’ airports are among the most profitable in the Aena network and are the sole means of transport to the islands. He questions why the same rate applies to Canary airports as to those on the mainland, adding that the higher ticket costs will dampen visitor demand. The rise in connection costs is described as a real drag on tourist arrivals.
Mañaricua concurs with the regional government that the islands’ unique situation warrants special consideration, particularly as air tax increases come after several years of stagnation. Director General of Transport Maria Fernandez stresses that the autonomy status grants the Canary Islands a voice in shaping such policies to fit the reality of a remote region. A 4 percent increase may seem modest on the mainland, but its impact is magnified in the Canaries. Fernandez also notes that a study will be conducted to assess the demand impact and to explore options like exceptional or modulated fee structures at Canarian airports.
Tourism Minister Jessica de León describes the timing of the rate increase as troubling given current uncertainties, including inflationary swings, the modernization of emission rights regimes, and Germany’s technical recession. The conversation continues as regional authorities seek a path that preserves affordability for travelers while sustaining the islands’ vital aviation links.
Note: These positions reflect the perspectives of regional authorities, industry associations, and government ministries. The discussion is ongoing and subject to formal reviews and regulatory decisions.