Barcelona is set to host an informal gathering of transport ministers this Thursday and Friday. The meeting will bring together leaders from the European Union’s 27 member states to discuss steps toward more accessible and efficient transport and mobility. The agenda does not aim for a formal agreement. Instead, the Airlines Association (ALA) is leveraging the moment to push for a shared stance among Mediterranean nations against a proposed kerosene tax. This tax is part of ongoing European proposals tied to climate measures and the expansion of sustainable fuels within aviation.
The association hopes a united front may emerge among countries like Portugal, Greece, and Italy, potentially forming a bloc with Spain. Their goal is to block the tax in its current form, according to Javier Gandara, who chairs a group representing 60 companies accounting for more than 85% of air traffic and spoke to EL PERIÓDICO, part of the Prensa Ibérica group. The discussion includes the Energy Taxation Directive and the idea of taxing aviation fuel used for intra-EU flights at about 10.75 euros per gigajoule.
The concern is that the tax could return within Europe and hit tourism-heavy nations like Spain particularly hard, while other destinations may see less impact. Gandara notes that Spain depends heavily on tourism from the continent and worries about the effect of increased costs on visitors and on the country’s tourism ecosystem. A Deloitte study estimates that a tax on aviation fuel in Spain could reduce international tourism by about 4.5 million visitors by 2030, jeopardize around 169,000 jobs, and shave nearly 10 billion euros off GDP. The study also flags higher ticket prices, fewer flight options, and a drop in route frequency if demand declines.
The industry argues that, to decarbonize effectively, other avenues should be pursued alongside or instead of a broad tax. These include sustainable aviation fuel, known as SAF, which can lower emissions when produced and used responsibly. A recent European Parliament dossier supports an aviation biofuel strategy aimed at lifting SAF usage from 2% in 2025 to 70% by 2050, with public policy expected to help narrow the cost gap with traditional kerosene. Spain’s aviation sector has pushed for policies that promote SAF deployment while preserving competitive pricing for travelers.
As SAF remains more expensive than conventional fuel—by a factor of three to six—the industry advocates for policies that reduce the price gap and keep travel affordable. PwC has projected that Spain could become a leading SAF hub, with plans for 30 to 40 facilities capable of generating substantial GDP gains and job creation by 2050. In a regional context, Catalonia is seen as a strong candidate for SAF facilities, potentially contributing billions to the economy and tens of thousands of jobs over the long term.
Fly in a zigzag pattern
Raquel Sánchez, acting minister for transport, mobility, and urban agenda, emphasizes that reaching an agreement remains high on Spain’s EU Presidency agenda. A coordinated airspace strategy, often described as the Single European Sky, could reduce overall European emissions by about 10%. Implementing such a plan hinges on member states accepting shared airspace management and relinquishing some sovereignty for a unified system. Gandara acknowledges that while the technology exists to streamline routes, the political will from member states will determine feasibility.
At the same time, EasyJet Spain and Portugal have expressed concerns about policies that would charge flyers more or set minimum prices under a trend of narrowing supply and rising prices. They view such moves as potentially unfair to lower-income travelers. France’s push to ban short-haul flights is viewed as unlikely to meaningfully reduce emissions, since a limited number of routes would be affected. A College of Aeronautical Engineers study notes that commercial aviation emissions in Spain account for a small share of overall environmental impact.
Price increases
Even with anticipated sector changes, industry representatives argue against an inevitable, irreversible rise in ticket prices tied to decarbonization. The overarching objective remains a cleaner aviation sector, balanced with affordability. In practical terms, even a typical Madrid taxi fare from Barajas to the city center is around 30 euros, while average fares for low-cost carriers hover between 50 and 70 euros. The industry envisions continued efforts to keep prices from spiraling, even as reforms unfold.
On regulatory matters, the European Parliament Petitions Committee has signaled support for preserving passenger rights to carry cabin baggage without additional charges. Gandara notes that this practice aligns with European regulation 1008/2008, which protects consumer freedom to choose needed services and pricing. He adds that passengers should always be able to see the total flight price and only pay for services they actually need. He also points out that aircraft space limitations mean airlines cannot accommodate every passenger’s surplus luggage or vehicles, underscoring the practical constraints carriers face.