The regional minister for Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Nuria Montes, has publicly opposed the central government’s recently announced plan to reduce domestic flights on routes that have a rail alternative under two and a half hours. Her stance reflects a broader concern that the measure could undermine mobility and economic efficiency in the tourism and aviation sectors. Montes emphasized that the government’s decision surprised many, noting that it appeared to stem from political rhetoric during the campaign rather than a thorough understanding of how the tourism and aviation industries actually function.
She argued that the proposed policy, which would restrict certain short-haul flights, is not a sensible path toward sustainability. In Montes’ view, sustainability should be pursued through incentives and technological progress rather than by simply eliminating air connections that people rely on for fast, reliable travel. The minister pointed out that alternative measures could be more effective and less disruptive for travelers and airlines alike. She highlighted the potential role of supporting airlines that invest in more efficient aircraft, accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, and promoting energy-efficient routes and logistics.
Montes underscored that the aviation sector can contribute to sustainable growth when policy levers encourage efficiency and greener practices. She noted that various airlines are already taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint, including upgrading fleets to more modern, fuel-efficient models and integrating biofuels into their operations where feasible. Such approaches align with long-term objectives for cleaner air travel while preserving the accessibility and competitiveness of national carriers.
In her public remarks, Montes aligned with the tourism industry, which has voiced concerns about the policy’s practicality and effectiveness. The sector argues that one-size-fits-all restrictions may fail to address underlying sustainability challenges and could hamper the movement of people, limit business travel, and deter international visitors. The minister called for a balanced strategy that supports sustainable growth without sacrificing the mobility that travelers rely on.
To that end, Montes suggested pursuing targeted, evidence-based measures that reward efficiency and low-emission technologies rather than broadly curtailing flights. She urged policymakers to consider incentives for airlines that replace older aircraft with more advanced, less polluting models, as well as programs that foster the use of sustainable fuels. By focusing on performance improvements and clean technologies, the region could advance its environmental goals while maintaining robust connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
Experts and industry representatives have urged caution, arguing that transport policies must account for real travel patterns, regional needs, and the importance of a resilient tourism economy. They advocate for solutions that encourage sustainable practices while preserving the ability of travelers to reach distant markets quickly and affordably. The discussion continues as stakeholders evaluate the best mix of regulatory incentives, infrastructure investments, and innovation-friendly policies to reduce emissions without undermining competitiveness.
Overall, Montes’ position reflects a commitment to a pragmatic, market-friendly approach to sustainability. She stresses that meaningful progress will come from aligning environmental objectives with practical mobility, ensuring that consumers retain reliable access to air travel and that domestic carriers can compete effectively on a global stage.