Canary Islands Chamber of Commerce Opposes Airport Fee Hike
The Canary Islands Chamber of Commerce firmly opposes Aena's proposed airport fee increases, citing potential harm to tourism.
Key Points
- • Santiago Sesé calls for exclusion of Canarias from the 6.5% airport fee increase.
- • Concerns raised over the negative impact on tourism and ticket prices.
- • Aena reported a profit of over 893 million euros in H1 2025, questioning the need for fee hikes.
- • Calls for improved representation of Canarias on Aena's Board of Directors.
The Canary Islands Chamber of Commerce has expressed strong opposition to a proposed 6.5% increase in airport fees by Aena starting in 2026. Santiago Sesé, the chamber's president, has highlighted the potential negative impact this increase could have on tourism, a critical economic sector for the islands, suggesting it may lead to higher ticket prices and decreased competitiveness as a tourist destination. Sesé pointed out that Aena recently reported a net profit exceeding 893 million euros in the first half of 2025, raising questions about the need for such fee hikes given the company's previous commitments to freezing or reducing fees.
He emphasized the urgency of completing vital investment projects at the region’s airports and underlined that many of these airports rank among the most profitable in Spain. Sesé also called for better representation of the Canary Islands on Aena's Board of Directors, arguing that this was necessary to safeguard the interests of the archipelago’s economy. He urged unity among local institutions and the private sector to advocate against the fee increase, especially against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties affecting tourism.