Canary Islands gain a greater say in airport decisions, including Fuerteventura
A new joint body will give the Canary Islands a role in airport strategy and investment, while Aena retains responsibility for airports of general interest.
The Spanish and Canary Islands governments have agreed to create a joint body to give the archipelago a greater role in decisions about its airports, including Fuerteventura. Its work will include monitoring planned investment and coordinating measures to improve passenger and freight connections.
The agreement was reached on Friday 13 November at a meeting of the Canary Islands–State Bilateral Cooperation Commission in Tenerife. Territorial policy minister Ángel Víctor Torres and Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo took part.
The new body will have four representatives from each administration, with the Canary Islands Government chairing it for the first year. According to a government statement, its creation implements Article 161.2 of the Canary Islands Statute of Autonomy but does not change the ownership, regulation or supervision of airports of general interest managed by Aena.
Investment and connectivity
The body will take part in Canary Islands airport strategy and monitor investments set out in the Airport Regulation Document, known as DORA. It will also address decarbonisation, the environmental impact of airports and possible joint funding of airport-related investments and services.
The agreement gives the regional government a role in coordination and oversight; the statement does not announce a specific new investment at Fuerteventura Airport.
Separate transfer of responsibilities
In a separate agreement, the Joint Transfer Commission agreed to transfer to the Canary Islands state functions and services relating to ports, airports, heliports and other transport infrastructure not classified as being of general interest.
The government statement said this would allow the regional administration to take on responsibilities including approving the construction, modification and opening to air traffic of airports and heliports without that classification. Negotiations on the transfer began in January.