Madrid, Spain – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Spanish airlines have called for a 4.9 percent annual reduction in airport charges over the next five years, following reports that Spain’s main airport operator collected €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns between 2017 and 2025.
Okay News reports that the call was contained in a statement published on IATA’s website on Wednesday. Airlines contend that the reduction would ease costs for passengers while preserving Spain’s economic competitiveness, without affecting planned airport infrastructure investments. The proposed cuts would apply from 2027 to 2031.
IATA and the Spanish Airline Association highlighted that past underestimations of passenger traffic led to excessive profits for airports. Between 2017 and 2025, excluding pandemic years, passenger numbers were on average 15.3 percent higher than forecasts, resulting in overpayments by airlines and consumers. Airlines and passengers overpaid nearly €400 million in 2024 alone, as regulated returns reached 10.2 percent, four percentage points above planned levels.
The associations emphasized that the proposed reduction will correct previous overcharges while maintaining financial stability for airport operations. The 4.9 percent reduction will not hinder AENA’s €10 billion investment plan for 2027 to 2031. Independent studies indicate passenger traffic could grow 3.6 percent annually, higher than the operator’s forecast of 1.3 percent, allowing continued infrastructure investment while achieving a 6.35 percent return on capital.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, said the reduction would improve Spain’s competitiveness, stimulate investment, and support job creation. He described the airport operator’s request for a 3.8 percent annual increase in charges as absurd, warning it would lead to the highest regulated return among European airports. The associations maintain that revising charges will balance profitability with fairness for airlines and passengers.
Comparatively, West African passengers paid some of the continent’s highest air ticket taxes and charges in 2024, according to the African Airlines Association. Nigeria ranked third for international and regional departures, with passengers paying $180 per ticket. Nigeria generated $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024, contributing to Africa’s total of $1.97 billion and the global $60.3 billion in ticket tax revenue. The data highlights that while Africa contributes a smaller share of global revenue, countries like Nigeria play a significant role in shaping continental earnings and aviation economics.
The proposed reduction in Spanish airport charges reflects growing pressure on European airport operators to align fees with actual traffic levels and prevent overcollection from airlines and passengers.
 and Spanish airlines have called for a 4.9 percent annual reduction in airport charges over the next five years, following reports that Spain's main airport operator collected €1.3 billion in excess regulated returns between 2017 and 2025.){kind=link}