Spanish government allows Basque entry into community airports

Ministry of Transport Says the Agreement for Basque Participation “Does Not Alter the Airport Network”

The Spanish Government has signed an agreement with the Basque Government allowing it to participate in the airport infrastructures located in its territory, the Ministry of Transport announced.

“The agreement reached is placed within the framework of participation and communication of the Autonomous Communities in the management of airports of general interest of the Aena network, as provided by Law 18/2014, and therefore does not constitute a modification of that law.”

The agreement establishes a collaboration, coordination, and participation instrument in airport matters to:

• Ensure the proper functioning and development of airport activities in the Basque territory.
• Operate within the current legal and competential framework.
• Facilitate inter‑institutional involvement and increase the competitiveness of the airport system, respecting each institution’s competencies.

The Ministry emphasizes that:

“The agreed document does not alter the Aena general‑interest airport network nor does it provide singular treatment to the general‑interest airports located in the Basque Country. It will improve synergies among these airports and their complementarity with the rest of the territory’s transport and logistics infrastructure.”

The statement concludes that Aena will, through this agreement, maintain its capacity to act as airport manager.

It is worth recalling that the Canary community has been requesting a similar management formula for many years, a proposal that also references the Canary autonomous statute but has received no response, opening a new arena for discussion.