Curbelo Opposes AENA's Airport Fee Hike, Calls for Differentiated Policy
Curbelo strongly criticizes AENA's airport fee increase and demands a differentiated pricing policy for the Canary Islands.
Key Points
- • Curbelo opposes AENA's 6.5% airport fee increase as burdensome to Canary Islands residents.
- • He calls for a differentiated fee policy reflecting the unique conditions of the region.
- • AENA reported significant profits and passenger numbers, making the fee hike seem "unjustifiable."
- • Curbelo emphasizes the need for urgent infrastructure investment and improved inter-island connectivity.
Casimiro Curbelo, president of the Cabildo de La Gomera, has publicly opposed a recent 6.5% increase in airport fees approved by AENA, emphasizing the disproportionate impact this rise will have on residents of the Canary Islands. He asserts that the increase will lead to higher travel costs for an already burdened populace facing escalating living expenses. Curbelo advocates for a differentiated airport fee policy, tailored specifically to address the unique geographical and economic conditions of the Canary Islands, which he describes as insular and ultra-peripheral.
Highlighting AENA's significant financial performance, Curbelo noted the entity's profits, which exceeded 890 million euros in the first half of the year, and stated that the increase is "unjustifiable" in a region where air connectivity is essential. Additionally, he reported that over 27 million passengers traveled through the Canary Islands, underscoring the need for equitable travel costs for residents.
Beyond fee adjustments, Curbelo stressed the urgent need for investment in airport infrastructure throughout the Canary Islands. Despite the profitability of AENA, he insists that necessary upgrades and improvements are paramount. Furthermore, he is advocating for enhanced inter-island connectivity, proposing an examination of a Public Service Obligation (OSP) for routes between the islands to promote fair travel opportunities and connectivity.