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        <title>Aviacionline - European Airports</title>
        <link>https://www.aviacionline.com</link>
        <description>Aviacionline es el sitio de aviación en español más leído del mundo. Presenta noticias de aerolíneas, aviones, aeropuertos, y demás.</description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Spanish airport operator Aena gets €10 million fine over biometric data]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/english/airports/european-airports/spanish-airport-operator-aena-gets--10-million-fine-over-biometric-data_a6926105243d39007088b56a3</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:19:51 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Aena to challenge the €10 million data-protection fine in court. The operator defends its impact assessments and denies any leaks in its facial-recognition system.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) imposed a fine of €10.043.002 on Aena regarding infringements in the processing of personal data through facial recognition systems. The resolution concludes that the airport operator failed to adequately justify the necessity and proportionality of using biometric data for check-in and boarding processes, violating Article 35 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The regulatory body determined that Aena lacked a valid Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to support high-risk data processing. The system, initially implemented through pilot projects at Menorca, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airports, aimed to streamline passenger flow via biometric identification. However, the AEPD considered that less intrusive alternatives existed to achieve the same security and efficiency goals.

The investigation revealed that the system used a centralized storage architecture for facial patterns ("one-to-many" or 1:N identification), which exponentially increases privacy risks compared to local authentication systems or traditional visual verification. "The processing cannot comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality," reads the sanctioning resolution, referring to the technical scenario chosen by the operator.


AENA'S RESPONSE: LEGAL APPEAL AND DEFENSE OF THE SYSTEM

Aena reacted immediately to the resolution by announcing it will take the case to court. In a statement issued on November 25, the company expressed its disagreement with the measure. "Aena respectfully disagrees with the sanction imposed by the AEPD on both substantive and procedural grounds," the company stated, adding that it considers the fine "not in accordance with the principle of proportionality."

The airport operator argues that the sanction is based on a discrepancy regarding a formal obligation. According to its position, Impact Assessments were indeed carried out before the programs began, although the regulator deemed them insufficient. "Aena guarantees that no security breach has occurred," the company affirmed in its statement, "and therefore, there has been no leakage of user data."

The company also defended the voluntary nature of the system, asserting that users provided informed consent. "The biometric data of enrolled passengers has been given the treatment of conservation, blocking, and deletion set out in the GDPR," it highlighted. Finally, Aena expressed its intention to continue working to reactivate biometric boarding "as soon as possible," arguing that its goal is to improve the passenger experience by streamlining checks.


SUSPENSION AND DATA MINIMIZATION

The biometrics program, which registered over 62.000 users during its various phases, was suspended by the operator itself in June 2024 following the issuance of more restrictive European opinions. In addition to the financial penalty, the agency ordered the continued suspension of biometric data processing until an impact assessment strictly complying with GDPR requirements is conducted.

The resolution emphasizes that the chosen technology involved storing a greater amount of personal data than required by manual checks. "With this new system Aena is processing and storing much more personal data than required by traditional human visual verification methods," the regulatory body concludes, pointing to a violation of the data minimization principle.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena denies technical failure at León Airport following diverted transplant flight controversy]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/english/airports/european-airports/aena-denies-technical-failure-at-leon-airport-following-diverted-transplant-flight-controversy_a691c7e229db5da9d67296ac4</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The airport operator rejected claims that an ILS breakdown caused the loss of a donor heart, attributing the diversion to crew decisions under adverse weather conditions.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aena issued a statement today rejecting claims regarding a lack of operability at León Airport (LEN), which linked infrastructure deficiencies to the failure of a heart transplant mission. The entity responded directly to a report alleging that a "breakdown" prevented a medical flight from landing last week.

The conflict arose from an article published by Diario de León, which reported that a medical team flying from Barcelona was unable to land on November 13 to retrieve an organ due to failures in the Instrument Landing System (ILS). According to Aena in its official statement, this version is false, stating the terminal was fully operational and its navigation systems were functioning correctly.

The core of the controversy lies in the airport's technical capability under low-visibility conditions. Aena clarified that the airport operates with a Category I ILS, allowing approaches with a minimum vertical visibility of 200 feet (61 meters) and a visual range of 800 meters.

The airport operator emphasized that, while weather conditions were adverse on the night of the incident, the decision to land or divert rests exclusively with the aircraft commander. Airlines and private operators often establish their own operating minimums, which can be more restrictive than those published for the airport.

To reinforce its position, Aena highlighted a key fact in the timeline of events: minutes before the aircraft in question diverted to Vitoria Airport, another National Transplant Organization (Organización Nacional de Trasplantes - ONT) flight landed without issues in León. The terminal extended its operating hours until 03:00 a.m. to support these missions.


IMPACT ON MEDICAL OPERATIONS

The original accusation maintained that technical limitations forced the mission to be aborted, resulting in the donor heart becoming nonviable due to ischemia times. However, the operator emphasized that it works under strict protocols coordinated with the ONT.

So far in 2024, León Airport has participated in 19 ONT operations, extending its hours on 15 occasions to handle air ambulance flights. Nationally, Aena's network facilitated 1.040 transplant air operations this year, transporting 1.159 organs.

The body also responded to criticisms regarding the general state of the infrastructure, assuring that it meets safety standards to handle regular commercial flights as well as critical state, firefighting, and medical operations.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena on a roll: 35 million passengers and 21 Spanish airports break records in October]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/english/airports/european-airports/aena-on-a-roll--35-million-passengers-and-21-spanish-airports-break-records-in-october_a69174f46dcef37ae1ea2317c</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:49:05 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Solid growth in Spain, Brazil, and London. The Aena Group handled 35.1 million passengers and saw a 9.3% rise in cargo traffic during October.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aena Group (which includes its airports in Spain, Brazil, and London-Luton) registered a traffic of 35,099,396 passengers during October 2025, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

According to information published by Aena, its airports also handled 295,929 aircraft movements (+4.3%) and transported 150,175 tons of cargo (+9.3%) across its global network.

Year-to-date (January to October 2025), the group's total passenger figure stands at 329.2 million, 4.1% more than in the same period of 2024.


PERFORMANCE IN SPAIN

Aena's network in Spain (comprising 46 airports and two heliports) handled 29,496,984 passengers in October, 4.4% more than in the same month last year. Aircraft movements totaled 245,495 (+6%).

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport led traffic with 6,034,971 passengers, showing 6.3% growth versus October 2024. It was followed by:

 * Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat: 5,243,506 passengers (+5.6%)
 * Palma de Mallorca: 3,501,199 passengers (+0.3%)
 * Málaga-Costa del Sol: 2,576,610 passengers (+6.1%)
 * Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández: 1,902,792 passengers (+5.9%)


HISTORIC RECORDS IN THE SPANISH NETWORK

Aena highlighted that 21 infrastructures in Spain achieved their best-ever passenger records for a month of October. These were: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Valencia, Sevilla, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Bilbao, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, Fuerteventura, Menorca, Asturias, Zaragoza, Melilla, Vitoria, Badajoz, Córdoba, and the Ceuta Heliport.

Furthermore, October was the best month for operations at 19 airports, including Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Gran Canaria, Valencia, Sevilla, Ibiza, and Sabadell.

In the cargo segment, the network recorded its best month in history, with specific records at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Zaragoza, and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat.


AENA BRAZIL

The 17 airports managed by Aena in Brazil reached 4,036,120 passengers in October, a 4.7% increase compared to 2024.

The traffic was divided as follows:

 * ANB Group (Aeroportos do Nordeste do Brasil): Registered 1.47 million passengers (+4.9%). This block manages the airports of Recife (PE), Maceió (AL), Aracaju (SE), João Pessoa (PB), Juazeiro do Norte (CE), and Campina Grande (PB).
 * BOAB Group (Bloco dos Onze Aeroporto do Brasil): Registered 2.55 million passengers (+4.6%). This block includes Congonhas (SP), Campo Grande (MS), Corumbá (MS), Ponta Porã (MS), Santarém (PA), Marabá (PA), Carajás (PA), Altamira (PA), Uberlândia (MG), Montes Claros (MG), and Uberaba (MG).

Congonhas Airport (SP) was the standout in the BOAB block, with 2.17 million travelers (+5.9%).


LONDON-LUTON

London-Luton Airport registered 1,566,292 passengers in October, 5.7% more than in the same month of 2024.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[A tale of two recoveries: Fraport's international airports soar while Frankfurt stalls]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/english/airports/european-airports/a-tale-of-two-recoveries--fraport-s-international-airports-soar-while-frankfurt-stalls_a6913223bbdd63da0bc6844c0</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:50:52 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The airport group recovers global 2019 traffic, driven by Greece, Peru, and Turkey. Frankfurt remains 12% below due to “high regulatory costs”.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Fraport Group reached pre-pandemic passenger levels for the first time during the first nine months of 2025, driven by its international operations. However, its main hub in Frankfurt (FRA) remains significantly below 2019 figures, a situation the airport operator attributes to "exceptionally high" regulatory costs in Germany.

According to a results statement from Fraport , adjusted Group revenue (for IFRIC 12) grew 7.8% year-on-year to €3,198.5 million. The Group result, or net profit, increased by 1.7% to €441.5 million.

A key indicator, free cash flow, reached €48.2 million. This marks the first nine-month period with positive cash flow since 2018, a shift driven by the completion of major expansion projects.


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH VS. GERMAN STAGNATION

Total Group passenger traffic increased by 4.6% year-on-year, reaching 144 million travelers, thereby recovering to 2019 figures. This momentum came almost entirely from Fraport's international airport portfolio.

The Greek airports operated by the group exceeded 2019 levels by 21.3%. Lima Airport (Peru) saw 8.1% more passengers than in 2019, and Antalya (Turkey) was up 6.8%.



In sharp contrast, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany's main gateway, remained at only 87.8% of the passenger volumes recorded in the first nine months of 2019. In the nine-month period, FRA handled 47.6 million passengers, a slight 1.8% year-on-year increase.

Fraport maintains that "excessively high" government-imposed air traffic taxes, aviation security charges, and air traffic control charges "continue to hamper more dynamic growth" at its German home base.




LIMA AIRPORT NUMBERS

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, where Fraport holds an 80.01% stake, recorded a solid traffic performance.

In the first nine months of 2025, the airport handled 19,075,767 passengers, representing a 5.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Air cargo saw even stronger growth, reaching 193,442 metric tons, a 20.4% increase.

The report details that the new passenger terminal in Lima, operated by Lima Airport Partners (LAP), was successfully inaugurated on June 1, 2025. This completed the first major phase of the expansion program.

While this expansion contributed to revenue growth (Lima's adjusted revenue grew by €13.0 million ), it also led to higher expenses. The segment's EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) was reduced due to higher depreciation and amortization from the new infrastructure being commissioned.

Lima's EBITDA for the first nine months was €84.0 million , while the net financial result for the period was negative, with a loss of €5.4 million.




INVESTMENT IMPACT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

"Our business performance remains well on track, supported by ongoing growth in traffic," commented Fraport CEO Dr. Stefan Schulte. "However, passenger numbers at Frankfurt continue to be constrained by exceptionally high regulatory costs in Germany."

Schulte highlighted the completion of capacity expansions in Antalya and Lima. "The gradual completion of these investments has had an immediate positive impact on our free cash flow, which rose to a new high in the third quarter," he added.

The Group's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose by 9.8% to €1,154.3 million. This result was supported by a one-off refund from a company pension plan, which reduced personnel expenses by approximately €50 million.

For the full year 2025, the company confirmed its earnings outlook but refined the passenger forecast for Frankfurt, which is now expected to be around 63 million.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena to launch tender for Barcelona-El Prat Airport's new Master Plan]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/english/airports/european-airports/aena-to-launch-tender-for-barcelona-el-prat-airport-s-new-master-plan_a69131d43bdd63da0bc67aca3</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:26:29 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Aena CEO Maurici Lucena announced the imminent tender for El Prat‘s Master Plan, a key step in the €3.2 billion expansion project.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aena will launch the tender for the drafting of the new Master Plan for Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, a key step in the infrastructure's expansion project. The announcement was made by Aena's Chairman and CEO, Maurici Lucena, during his participation in a Matins Esade session on Tuesday.

The starting amount for this tender is €4.45 million, a figure higher than usual for this type of document. According to a statement from Aena, this cost is due to the complexity of the process and the fact that most of the budget will be dedicated to defining environmental guarantees and the required processing before the European Union.

Lucena described the tender as "one of the largest environmental consultancy contracts in Spain in recent years," and stated it would ensure the highest sustainability standards in the strategic environmental assessment.

The total expansion project, agreed upon last June by the Ministry of Transport, the Generalitat (Catalan Government), and Aena, involves an investment exceeding €3.2 billion. "The goal is for the El Prat expansion to be an exemplary project, not only for its investment magnitude but for its environmental ambition and its capacity to place Barcelona on the map of major intercontinental hubs," Lucena noted.


PARALLEL INVESTMENTS IN TERMINALS T1 AND T2

While the administrative process for the Master Plan moves forward, Aena is maintaining an investment program of over €800 million for the remodeling of the current terminals.

The actions include the comprehensive refurbishment of Terminal T2. Meanwhile, Terminal T1 will gain 70,000 square meters of surface area, a 15.5% increase, once the works scheduled for 2032 are completed. This work includes repositioning the facade and constructing new roadways.

Furthermore, modernizations are being carried out on the airfield and at security checkpoints, where new carry-on baggage screening technology is being implemented, allowing passengers to pass through without removing liquids or electronic devices.

"The ongoing investments ensure that El Prat continues to grow in competitiveness, service quality, and sustainability, while we advance the expansion process," affirmed Lucena.


PROJECT TIMELINE

Aena's planned schedule includes starting the necessary studies for the Master Plan's processing during the second quarter of 2026.

The final approval of the document is expected by the end of 2029, once the strategic environmental assessment and consultation with the European Commission are completed. Following that approval, the expansion works themselves would begin, starting with land acquisition and the application of environmental compensatory measures.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA["An addiction to gold-plated costs": IATA Slams Heathrow's Expensive Expansion Plans]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/an-addiction-to-gold-plated-costs-iata-slams-heathrows-expensive-expansion-plans</link>
            <guid>69036990d98baf894a2314f1</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:30:04 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[IATA backs the UK's Heathrow expansion goal but warns its "gold-plated" costs are "unaffordable." Director General Willie Walsh stated the political haste to build risks creating one of the world's most expensive airports.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The International Air Transport Association (IATA) supports the UK Government's renewed commitment to expand Heathrow Airport (LHR), recognizing it as a key move to unlock economic growth and enhance global connectivity.

However, the association issued a strong warning regarding the project's costs. Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, noted that while the goal of stimulating the economy is "spot on," the "political haste" to move forward could handicap the UK in the long term "if it fails to build something affordable."

Walsh harshly criticized the London hub's current approach. "Heathrow’s long addiction to gold-plated construction costs has already earned it the unenviable standing as one of the most expensive airports in the world, if not the most expensive," he stated.

Therefore, IATA is placing the focus on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the country's economic regulator. The organization urges the CAA to implement "regulatory and cost-control guard rails" to ensure an affordable airport for both passengers and airlines.

----------------------------------------

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 * Why is IATA criticizing the Heathrow expansion if it supports it? IATA supports the idea of expansion for connectivity but criticizes the current plan for its excessive costs, labeling them "gold-plated" and "unaffordable."
 * Who is Willie Walsh? Willie Walsh is the Director General of IATA. He was previously the CEO of IAG, the parent group of British Airways, Heathrow's main airline, making him very familiar with the airport's operations.
 * What is the APD (Air Passenger Duty)? The APD is a tax the UK Government charges most passengers flying from British airports. Airlines argue this tax increases ticket prices and reduces competitiveness.
 * What is IATA asking the regulator (CAA) to do? It is asking the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to establish strict cost controls and a transparent process to ensure the expansion remains affordable for airlines and passengers.

----------------------------------------

According to IATA, this process must begin with a "reassurance that there will be a transparent, competitive process" to determine what is built and, crucially, at what cost.

In addition to construction costs, IATA also targeted direct taxes on passengers. Walsh mentioned that next month's budget announcement offers an "opportunity to instantly shore up the UK’s competitiveness."

The proposed solution is a reduction or, at minimum, a freeze on the Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates. IATA considers this measure an "essential element" for the long-term success of any expansion plan pursued, as reported by IATA in a statement.

The association concluded by reiterating its readiness to work with the Government, the CAA, and all industry stakeholders to ensure that Heathrow's growth is sustainable, efficient, and beneficial to all.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[A two-speed winter for Spanish Airports: International traffic booms while the domestic market shrinks]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/a-two-speed-winter-for-spanish-airports-international-traffic-booms-while-the-domestic-market-shrinks</link>
            <guid>69036993d98baf894a23151b</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:20:57 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Airlines have scheduled 137.6 million seats (arrivals + departures) at Aena's airport network in Spain for the 2025-2026 winter season. This figure represents a 3.5% growth compared to the same season in 2024.

The season, which runs from October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026, will also see an increase in commercial operations. A total of 788,400 movements are scheduled, 3.3% more than the previous year, as reported by Aena in a statement.

Madrid and Barcelona lead absolute growth

In terms of percentage growth, the airports with the largest increase in their offer are Córdoba (driven by its new commercial flight operations), Vitoria (+37.8%), Región de Murcia International Airport (+29.8%), and Badajoz (+23.4%).

However, the country's major hubs lead in volume. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport tops the list with 33.9 million seats offered, 4.6% more than in 2024. It is followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, with 25.7 million seats, representing a 4.7% increase.

Other high-demand airports include Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 10.4 million seats (+6.1%); Gran Canaria, with 8.9 million (-0.4%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 8.2 million (+10.2%); Tenerife Sur, with 7.7 million (-1.3%); and Palma de Mallorca, with 7.5 million (-1.5%).


ROUTE EXPANSION

The winter schedule includes a total of 2,485 routes (1,960 international and 525 domestic), 81 more than last winter. The airports adding the most new routes are Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (+25), Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (+19), Málaga-Costa del Sol (+14), Seville (+13), and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (+12).


INTERNATIONAL MARKETS DRIVE DEMAND

A geographical analysis shows that the European market remains the main driver, with over 77 million seats scheduled, 5.8% more than the previous winter season.

The strong impetus from long-haul markets is notable. The Asia-Pacific region shows the highest percentage growth, with 33.3% more seats (exceeding 1.1 million). It is followed by the Middle East, which grows by 28% and reaches 2.4 million seats.

In contrast, the domestic market (within Spain) is the only one to register a decline, with 44.5 million seats scheduled, 3.8% less than in 2024.


UNITED KINGDOM REMAINS TOP INTERNATIONAL MARKET

After Spain, the countries with the highest number of scheduled seats are the United Kingdom (17.8 million, +5.7%), Germany (10.8 million, -2.2%), Italy (9.7 million, +6.4%), France (6.6 million, +6.2%), and the Netherlands (4.2 million, +2.2%).

Despite not being in the top 5 by volume, the markets showing the fastest percentage growth are China (+47.6%), Turkey (+33.7%), the United Arab Emirates (+32.5%), Brazil (+29.7%), and Poland (+26.7%).

Aena clarifies that this schedule of seats and movements is always subject to potential changes by the airlines.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Frankfurt Airport’s New Terminal 3 Set for April 22, 2026 Inauguration]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/frankfurt-airports-new-terminal-3-set-for-april-22-2026-inauguration</link>
            <guid>6902693593a52319db832cdc</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:59:36 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has an official inauguration date: April 22, 2026. The airport operator, Fraport AG, confirmed the date after reaching a major project milestone: the successful conclusion of inspections by authorities, including crucial fire protection certifications.

With this step, the 176,000 square meter facility is no longer officially a construction site and enters the final preparation phase for its launch. The project, with an estimated development cost of €4 billion, will increase the airport's capacity by 19 million passengers annually in its initial configuration.

"Today we are standing in one of Europe’s most advanced airport facilities with our sights set firmly on its inauguration on April 22," stated Dr. Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport AG. In his announcement, he thanked everyone involved, including the authorities, who contributed to the success of the construction project, for which the foundation stone was laid in October 2015.

Now, with regulatory approval secured, teams are focused on the final installations. This includes setting up the 21 security check lanes equipped with modern CT scanners, completing the retail and dining areas, and conducting ongoing tests of the baggage handling system.




FINAL PREPARATIONS AND TESTING PHASE

In parallel with the installation work, Fraport is preparing for a large-scale operational testing phase. Between January 27 and April 16, 2026, approximately 8,000 volunteer passengers will participate in 21 trial days to ensure all processes work seamlessly and cohesively before the opening.

The operational transition will be gradual. According to Fraport, a total of 57 airlines currently operating from Terminal 2 will move to Terminal 3 in four phases, starting in mid-April and concluding in early June 2026. The new infrastructure will handle both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.




A DECADE-LONG PROJECT

The terminal's construction spanned a decade marked by complex challenges. Harald Rohr, technical director of Fraport Ausbau Süd GmbH, the subsidiary in charge of the work, noted that "the successful conclusion of this huge project under very challenging conditions sends the strong message that, despite the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and massive disruptions of global supply chains, we’ve succeeded in implementing the new terminal on schedule and on budget."

The new facility will not only expand the capacity of Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's most important hubs, but will also introduce state-of-the-art technologies to enhance efficiency and the passenger experience. The new terminal will be connected to Terminals 1 and 2 via an extension of the SkyLine automated people mover system.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cyber Attack Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/cyber-attack-disrupts-operations-at-major-european-airports</link>
            <guid>6902678de4a39c4853b30810</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:55:35 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[A cyber attack-related disruption affecting the systems of airport service provider Collins Aerospace is causing significant delays at several European airports this Saturday. Operations at key hubs such as Brussels (BRU), Berlin (BER), and London-Heathrow (LHR) are impacted by issues with their check-in and baggage drop systems.

The incident directly affects the MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software, a critical platform used by numerous airlines to manage passenger processing on shared infrastructure. This system allows different carriers to use the same check-in desks and departure gates in an integrated manner.

According to the AFP news agency, the company itself confirmed the problem. A spokesperson for Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, stated, "we have become aware of a cyber-related disruption to our MUSE software in select airports." The firm added that its technical teams are actively working to resolve the issue and restore services to normal.

The system failure is forcing airport operators and airlines to resort to manual procedures, which considerably slows down passenger flow and creates long queues in departure areas. Authorities at the affected airports are advising travelers to check their flight status directly with their airlines and to arrive at the terminal with extra time.

----------------------------------------

> Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
> 
> What is the Collins Aerospace MUSE system? The MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) system is a software platform that allows multiple airlines and ground handlers to share the same IT infrastructure at an airport, such as check-in desks and boarding gates.
> 
> Which airports are confirmed to be affected? So far, Brussels (BRU), Berlin (BER), and London-Heathrow (LHR) airports have officially confirmed the disruptions. It is possible that other terminals using the system may also be experiencing issues.
> 
> What should I do if I have a flight scheduled from one of these airports? It is advisable to contact your airline directly for the latest information on your flight status, arrive at the airport with significantly more time than usual, and pay attention to instructions from staff at the terminal.
> 
> Is the nature of the cyber attack known? No. At this time, Collins Aerospace has referred to the event as a "cyber-related disruption" without providing details on its nature or origin. Investigations are ongoing.

----------------------------------------

IMPACT ON OPERATIONS

Modern aviation's reliance on interconnected IT systems makes it a vulnerable target for incidents of this nature. A failure at a single software provider, as in the case of Collins Aerospace, can have a domino effect, impacting multiple airports and airlines simultaneously.

While the company's teams work on a solution, airports are implementing contingency plans to mitigate the impact on passengers. However, it is expected that delays and occasional cancellations will continue until the MUSE system is fully operational and stable.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Environmental Groups Reject Spain's €13 Billion Aena Airport Expansion Plan]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/environmental-groups-reject-spains-eur13-billion-aena-airport-expansion-plan</link>
            <guid>6902678fe4a39c4853b308a9</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:17:17 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[A massive investment plan of nearly €13 billion for the modernization and expansion of the Aena airport network, presented by the Spanish government, is facing outright rejection from a coalition of major environmental organizations. The announcement, made during European Mobility Week, is being labeled as "incompatible" with the country's climate commitments.

In a joint statement, Friends of the Earth, Ecologistas en Acción, Greenpeace, SEO/BirdLife, and WWF criticized the decision, arguing that it directly clashes with the goal of reducing transport emissions by 42% by 2030. According to the organizations, expanding airports directly stimulates an increase in flights and, consequently, in greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution, affecting the climate, public health, and biodiversity.

The plan, framed within the Airport Regulation Document (DORA) 2027-2031, includes interventions to expand the capacity of 13 airports in the network. Among them are Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, along with those in Tenerife North, Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote, Málaga, Melilla, Valencia, Alicante, Santander, Bilbao, Menorca, and Ibiza.

The organizations point out that between 2013 and 2019, emissions from the aviation sector in Spain increased by 45%, a rate much higher than in countries like France or Germany. In 2024, Spain's air transport was the second-highest emitter in the European Union, generating 22.6 million tons of CO₂, equivalent to almost half of Sweden's total emissions for that year.

The Reasons for Environmental Rejection

The environmental coalition bases its opposition on three main pillars. They argue that the project serves the interests of mass tourism and large corporations rather than the general public interest.

The primary argument is the plan's incompatibility with the European goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030. According to studies cited by the NGOs, the expansions of Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat could lead to a 35% and 33% increase in their respective CO₂ emissions. They also warn of negative impacts on sensitive ecosystems, such as the potential destruction of the La Ricarda lagoon in the Llobregat Delta due to the expansion of Barcelona's airport.

The statement also focuses on the health effects of airport activity, citing a study that links aircraft pollution around major Spanish airports to thousands of cases of hypertension, diabetes, and dementia.

Demands to the Government

The signatory organizations are demanding the indefinite suspension of any airport infrastructure expansion plans. They also call for the elimination of short-haul flights that have an efficient rail alternative.

Finally, they urge a redefinition of transport policy to build a "fair, sustainable, and resilient" model that prioritizes the population's needs and respects planetary limits, redirecting investments toward more socially and environmentally just modes of transport.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena Proposes €12.9 Billion Investment Plan for Spanish Airports for 2027-2031 Period]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/aena-proposes-eur129-billion-investment-plan-for-spanish-airports-for-2027-2031-period</link>
            <guid>69026790e4a39c4853b30b66</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:26:37 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aena has proposed the largest investment plan for its airport network in Spain in the last two decades. The airport operator plans to invest a total of €12.888 billion during the five-year period from 2027 to 2031, an initiative backed by the Spanish Government, its main shareholder.

The announcement was made at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and establishes an investment framework designed to adapt infrastructure to the expected growth in passenger and cargo demand. Of the total, €9.991 billion corresponds to regulated investments, while the remainder will be allocated to commercial activities. The main objectives are to maintain high standards of safety, quality, and advance environmental sustainability.

During the event, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, highlighted that Aena's public-private hybrid model "has made the company the largest in the world by passenger traffic and market capitalization." Sánchez added that this model is a "lever to increase the economy's competitiveness, stimulate investment and trade, further develop the tourism sector, and play a key role in the territorial structuring of our country."

The investments will primarily focus on modernizing terminal areas and airfields, implementing new information technologies, digitalization, cybersecurity, and sustainability projects. A cornerstone of the plan is the commitment for Aena's airports to achieve the Net Zero target by 2030.

This proposal is a preliminary step in the development of the third Airport Regulation Document (DORA 3). The process will continue with mandatory consultations with airlines and regulatory bodies before receiving final approval from the Council of Ministers. Aena's President and CEO, Maurici Lucena, emphasized that the investments "are based exclusively on technical estimates of air traffic demand," not political criteria.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Court Annuls Brussels Airport's Environmental Permit for Violating European Law]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/court-annuls-brussels-airports-environmental-permit-for-violating-european-law</link>
            <guid>68cdfd71a0ea712e1fb15c2b</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:03 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A Belgian court annuls Brussels Airport's environmental permit, but allows operations to continue until 2029, preventing immediate disruption to air traffic.]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Flemish Council for Permit Disputes has annulled the environmental permit granted by the Flemish government to Brussels Airport (BRU). The ruling, issued on July 17, 2025, was in response to several appeals, notably from Brussels Airlines, and concluded that the restrictions imposed on the airport violate European law by failing to follow the "Balanced Approach" procedure.

Despite the permit's annulment, the court has ruled that the airport may continue its operations under the terms of its previous permit until July 8, 2029. This decision ensures the continuity of air traffic and averts an immediate disruption at Belgium's main aviation hub.

The now-voided permit, which was intended to regulate operations after the previous license expired on July 8, 2024, had introduced stricter environmental conditions. These included a cap of 240,000 annual flight movements by 2032 and a significant reduction in weekend night flights. A total of 21 appeals were filed against this decision.

The core of the legal ruling is the improper application of the "Balanced Approach," a key principle from EU Regulation 598/2014. Brussels Airlines, the airport's home carrier, argued that limiting flight numbers is a last-resort measure. The Council for Permit Disputes agreed, stating that the Flemish government failed to prove it had exhausted other noise management alternatives before imposing such a drastic restriction.


> WHAT IS THE BALANCED APPROACH? 
> 
> It is an ICAO framework adopted by the EU for managing aircraft noise. It requires authorities to assess four elements in order:
> 
> Reduction of noise at the source (quieter aircraft).
> 
> Land-use planning and management.
> 
> Noise abatement operational procedures.
> 
> Operating restrictions (as a last resort).

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, welcomed the decision and explained that the annulled permit "did not properly consider other ways to reduce noise." Von Boxberg highlighted the airline's commitment to the first pillar of the Balanced Approach, citing the introduction of quieter aircraft like the A320neo, and affirmed they are "committed to working closely with the government to help shape a new permit that works for everyone."

Meanwhile, the airport operator, Brussels Airport Company (BAC), also appealed the permit, but on financial grounds. BAC contested the economic viability of certain conditions, such as the requirement to make an annual payment of €10 million to the railway operator Infrabel to enhance rail access to the airport.

Reactions to the ruling were swift. Voka, the Flemish network of enterprises, called for the creation of a new, legally robust permit that supports economic growth. In contrast, the environmental organization Bond Beter Leefmilieu stressed that any new permit must provide stronger guarantees for health and the environment.

Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns acknowledged the ruling and stated that the process to correctly apply the "Balanced Approach is now underway," reiterating the need to strike a balance between economic interests and environmental responsibility.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Barcelona-El Prat Expansion: Technical Meeting Reviews Potential Solutions]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/barcelona-el-prat-expansion-technical-meeting-reviews-potential-solutions</link>
            <guid>68cdfe09a0ea712e1fb3d67a</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:12:38 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[After ten months, this Tuesday will mark the second meeting of the year for the technical commission that will address the expansion of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, aiming to reactivate efforts to have the diagnosis and recommendations on how to optimize the airport’s capacity by early 2025.

The information was shared by the EFE agency, which highlights that the expansion of Barcelona Airport is one of the priorities of the Government of Salvador Illa, although it must be «environmentally respectful.»

One of the proposals involves extending the third runway (06R/21L) by approximately 500 meters towards the La Ricarda lagoon. However, this has faced political opposition due to the potential environmental impact on the ecosystem.



Additionally, they are considering the use of the runways for both takeoffs and landings during specific summer hours, which would reduce the need to extend the runway but could increase noise levels in nearby areas.

EFE also reports that Salvador Illa has not yet stated his preference on the best option for improving the capacity of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, noting that the focus for now is «listening to the experts.» If there is political agreement on the chosen course of action, expansion work could begin by 2027.

All of this is happening as the airport approaches its maximum capacity, emphasizing the urgency of making a decision and implementing it.

The capacity of Barcelona-El Prat is set at 55 million passengers annually, a threshold that is nearing after a historic increase in traffic this year. Some long-haul airlines were forced to operate from Terminal T2 this summer due to a lack of space in T1, a situation that has underscored the need to address infrastructure expansion.

Between January and August 2024, El Prat handled 36.88 million passengers, a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and 7.1% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. The number of operations grew by 9.1% compared to 2023 (reaching 278,611 flights).

The non-European network of Barcelona-El Prat Airport has now surpassed 40 cities in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Heathrow Airport Registers Highest Daily Traffic in History]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/heathrow-airport-registers-highest-daily-traffic-in-history</link>
            <guid>68cdfe05a0ea712e1fb3bfdf</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Sep 2024 08:43:27 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[London Heathrow Airport saw record traffic figures in August, handling 7.97 million passengers, 5.5% more than during the same month in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive month with never-before-seen numbers.

On August 18, 269,000 passengers were handled, the highest number ever recorded in a single day in the history of Heathrow Airport, following a streak of 13 days with over 260,000 travelers in the same month.

Almost all markets recorded growth, with the domestic market leading at 12.3% (405,000 passengers), followed by the European Union with 10.6% (2.79 million) and non-EU European traffic with 6.1% (524,000). The Asia-Pacific market grew by 4.2% (968,000 passengers), Latin America by 2.6% (180,000 passengers), the Middle East by 2.4% (811,000 passengers), while the United States and Canada grew by 2% (2 million). Africa was the only market that decreased, with -8.6% (282,000 passengers).

Thus, between January and August, Heathrow Airport handled 55.78 million passengers, a figure 5.5% higher than during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, in August, Heathrow had 41,573 aircraft movements, 4.2% more than in August 2023. Air cargo grew by 10.7%, reaching 133,327 metric tons handled.

Heathrow management highlighted that Los Angeles and Madrid were the latest routes to join the «million-passenger club» (those with over one million passengers), following Doha, Dublin, Dubai (DXB), and New York (JFK).

«I want to thank the Heathrow team for their preparation and dedication in delivering an extraordinary getaway experience for more passengers than ever before, while maintaining strong service levels during what has been our busiest summer,» said Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow Airport.

«Over the past four months, we’ve broken several new records, showcasing our ability to open up a world of opportunities for more people, cargo, business, and the UK economy,» he concluded.


HEATHROW BY THE NUMBERS

 * 81 airlines operate regular passenger flights at London Heathrow Airport.
 * The network of destinations served from Heathrow reaches 210 cities around the world as of September.
 * New York/JFK is the route with the highest number of seats offered, with around 39,000 weekly in each direction.
 * New York-JFK airport also has the highest number of flights, with 154 departures each week.
 * British Airways is responsible for 45.9% of the seat capacity offered and 50.5% of the flights.

]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Catalan government accelerates Barcelona-El Prat expansion talks amid record passenger growth]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/catalan-government-accelerates-barcelona-el-prat-expansion-talks-amid-record-passenger-growth</link>
            <guid>68cdfe18a0ea712e1fb41099</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:11:43 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Catalan government aims to begin the expansion works of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport by 2027, in an effort to increase the capacity of the infrastructure, which is nearing its technical limit. According to a report by La Vanguardia, the airport’s capacity is set at 55 million passengers per year, a threshold that is close to being reached following a historic increase in traffic this year. Some long-haul airlines were forced to operate from terminal T2 this summer due to the lack of space in T1, highlighting the need to address the airport’s expansion.

Between January and July 2024, El Prat handled 31.4 million passengers, a figure 12.2% higher than in the same period in 2023, and even 4.3% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. The number of operations grew by 10.7% compared to 2023 (reaching 199,752 flights) and 0.4% compared to 2019.



The Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque, announced that in the coming days she will meet with the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, to resume talks between the central government and the Generalitat, with the aim of finding a viable technical solution for the expansion. According to the Spanish newspaper, the proposal would be included in the new master plan for the airport in early 2025, with possible construction starting in 2027 if an agreement is reached.

See also: Air China resumes its flights between Shanghai and Barcelona

One of the main challenges of this expansion is finding a proposal that does not create conflict among the governing coalition partners, such as Esquerra Republicana (ERC) and the Comuns, who have expressed their opposition to the extension of the third runway (06R/21L) towards the La Ricarda lagoon. For ERC, this extension represents a “red line,” complicating the possibility of consensus. However, the executive led by Salvador Illa remains committed to unlocking the project, but it is constrained by the coalition agreement, which prioritizes modernizing the airport and increasing long-haul intercontinental connections.



Despite the political tensions, a dozen proposals have already been submitted to improve the airport’s capacity for long-haul flights. La Vanguardia reports that the original proposal from Aena, supported by the central government, included an investment of 1.7 billion euros to extend the third runway by 500 meters and build a satellite terminal. However, this idea has faced resistance due to its environmental impact on the La Ricarda lagoon. ERC, for its part, suggested using the runways for both take-offs and landings during specific summer hours, which would reduce the need for runway extension but increase noise in nearby areas.

The business sector, led by Foment del Treball, has also proposed alternatives, including extending the runway with an elevated platform over La Ricarda. Despite the multiple proposals, none have yet garnered the necessary consensus to move forward.

In conclusion, the future of the El Prat expansion remains uncertain and largely depends on political negotiations in the coming months. Meanwhile, the airport continues to approach its maximum capacity, underscoring the urgency for a decision.

Barcelona-El Prat’s international network outside of Europe has already surpassed 40 cities in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Air China was the latest international airline to resume its flights to Barcelona last week with a non-stop service from Shanghai.

]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Dublin Airport breaks traffic records but faces capacity limit imposed by authorities]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/dublin-airport-breaks-traffic-records-but-faces-capacity-limit-imposed-by-authorities</link>
            <guid>68cdfec7a0ea712e1fb54631</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Sep 2024 08:37:15 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[In August, Dublin and Cork airports saw a combined total of 3.8 million passengers, continuing the record-breaking demand for international travel that has characterized the summer of 2024. Dublin Airport experienced its busiest month ever, while Cork Airport recorded a 10% increase in passengers compared to the previous year.

DUBLIN AIRPORT ACHIEVES MILESTONE WITH OVER 3.46 MILLION PASSENGERS

Dublin Airport handled 3.46 million passengers in August, making it the busiest month in its 84-year history. The airport reached new highs during the week of August 12, with 829,000 passengers recorded, and on Sunday, August 18, with a record 124,600 passengers passing through its two terminals in a single day.

From May to August, over 10 million passengers traveled through Dublin Airport, bringing the total number for the year to 22.7 million by the end of August. According to daa, the operator of both airports, this marks a 5.5% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023, a trend expected to continue into September.

However, daa anticipates a decline in passenger numbers starting in late autumn, largely due to the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) winter slot decision, which will reduce available seats for flights to and from Dublin from November to March. Airlines have also reduced some operations due to concerns over Dublin’s passenger cap of 32 million, which daa warns may be exceeded in 2024 despite efforts to manage demand.

“This leaves Dublin Airport caught between a rock and a hard place. We want to grow so we can continue to connect Ireland with the world and support FDI, tourism and jobs. But while we wait for planning to be granted, we are doing everything we can to comply with existing planning conditions. While our actions to dampen airline demand have reduced passenger numbers by approximately 650,000, we do not control the slot process. We now forecast that passenger numbers will exceed 32 million and will be closer to 33 million in 2024,» said daa CEO Kenny Jacobs.

See also: Delta Air Lines boosts Minneapolis transatlantic connectivity with new service to Dublin

CORK AIRPORT CONTINUES RAPID GROWTH

Cork Airport saw a record 340,705 passengers in August, a 10% year-on-year increase. This growth was supported by a busy August bank holiday weekend, with 65,000 travelers passing through the airport, up 5% from 2023. Additionally, on August 21, Cork Airport reached the two million passenger milestone for the year, three months earlier than in 2023.

The airport is now on track to exceed three million passengers by the end of 2024. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) highlighted Cork Airport as the fastest-growing of Ireland’s state airports, with an 11% growth rate in the first seven months of the year.

CHALLENGES AT DUBLIN AIRPORT

Despite the strong summer performance, CEO Kenny Jacobs expressed concerns over Dublin Airport’s ability to handle further growth due to planning restrictions. Jacobs noted, «We forecast that passenger numbers will exceed 32 million and be closer to 33 million in 2024, despite efforts to manage demand.»

Dublin Airport has applied to Fingal County Council to increase its passenger cap to 40 million as part of a larger infrastructure plan aimed at supporting sustainable growth. In parallel, daa is preparing an alternative proposal to raise the cap without the additional infrastructure, in hopes of expediting the process.

“It is in no one’s interests to curtail tourism and investment at a time when so much public and private money is being spent to do the complete opposite. We are a small, open, island economy on the edge of Europe that has always punched above our weight but we need more joined-up thinking in the development of critical infrastructure. It’s time to all come together to realise an ambitious vision of Ireland that sets us up for the future. This includes support for growth at Dublin Airport, so we can keep delivering for Ireland, and growth at Ireland’s great regional airports at Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and Donegal.” concluded Jacobs.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena Considering Divestiture of its Stake in 12 Mexican Airports]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/aena-considering-divestiture-of-its-stake-in-12-mexican-airports</link>
            <guid>68cdfe39a0ea712e1fb444d6</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:04:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aena is working with Bank of America Securities to divest its 33.4% stake in Aeropuertos Mexicanos del Pacífico, which operates 12 airports in Mexico through Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), according to the Spanish newspaper El Economista based on information from Mergermarket, specialized in mergers and acquisitions.

The information indicates that Aena has already received non-binding offers for its stake in the Mexican company, but a second round is expected, which could take several more months, considering the review of the tariff proposal in Mexico as one of the key points.

The company nevertheless indicated that «as the world’s leading airport operator, Aena constantly and rigorously analyzes its international assets to ensure maximum value for its shareholders.»

GAP has been operating 12 Mexican airports since 1998, 5 of which were among the top 10 in passenger traffic in the country in 2023:

 * Guadalajara: 17.72 million passengers (3rd in the country)
 * Tijuana: 13.2 million passengers (5th in the country)
 * Los Cabos: 7.73 million passengers (6th in the country)
 * Puerto Vallarta: 6.79 million passengers (7th in the country)
 * Guanajuato: 3.23 million passengers (9th in the country)
 * Hermosillo: 2.22 million passengers
 * Mexicali: 1.6 million passengers
 * Morelia: 1.39 million passengers
 * La Paz: 1.11 million passengers
 * Aguascalientes: 929 thousand passengers
 * Los Mochis: 474 thousand passengers

Through other companies, it also participates in the airports of Montego Bay and Kingston in Jamaica, which handled 5.2 and 1.7 million passengers in 2023 respectively.



In financial terms, in 2023 GAP had revenues of 25.4 billion Mexican pesos (~USD 1.3 billion), with profits of 9.7 billion (~USD 498 million).

During the second quarter of this year, the group recorded a decrease in both passenger traffic (-3.9%) and revenues (-13.2%), mainly related to the grounding of the A320neo fleet affecting Mexican airlines due to Pratt & Whitney engine inspections.

Aena has been considering changes to its global airport portfolio this year with the intention of entering Edinburgh Airport and the AGS group (Aberdeen and Glasgow airports). The international subsidiary also manages 12 airports in Brazil (including Sao Paulo-Congonhas and Recife) and London-Luton Airport and holds a stake in Cali Airport.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aena Airports in Spain Handle Over 144 Million Passengers in First Half of 2024]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/aena-airports-in-spain-handle-over-144-million-passengers-in-first-half-of-2024</link>
            <guid>68cdfeefa0ea712e1fb5d586</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:26:50 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The 46 airports and 2 heliports that make up Aena’s network in Spain handled 144,151,231 passengers between January and June 2024, marking an 11.4% growth compared to the same period last year.

Air operations totaled 1,223,232 movements, 8.2% more than in 2023, while cargo grew by 19.2%, reaching 604,781 tons.

«These figures are the result of an upward trend since the beginning of the year and much of last year, which has also been maintained in June, a month in which Aena’s airports in Spain recorded a historic record for passengers, aircraft movements, and cargo transported in a month of June,» highlighted Aena.

In June, the network handled 29.4 million passengers, 11.1% more than during the same month in 2023, while operations grew by 8.9%, reaching 239,462, and freight traffic stood at 102,037 tons (+22.9%).

«Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in June with 5,798,029, representing a 12.9% growth compared to the same month last year,» Aena detailed in a statement.

«Next were Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, with 5,056,923 (+13.3% compared to 2023); Palma de Mallorca, with 4,159,324 (+9.2%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 2,433,242 (+11.6%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 1,772,559 (+17.7%); Ibiza, with 1,233,976 (+3.1%); and Gran Canaria, with 1,105,199 (+11.8%),» they added, detailing that 21 airports broke monthly records: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Valencia, Tenerife Sur, Sevilla, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Bilbao, Menorca, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, Fuerteventura, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, La Palma, Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Melilla, El Hierro, and La Gomera.

Regarding the number of flights, «the airport with the most movements in June was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with a total of 36,337 (+11.4% compared to 2023), followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, with 31,365 flights (+11%); Palma de Mallorca, with 28,483 (+8%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 16,677 (+8%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 10,953 (+15.9%); Ibiza, with 10,803 (+1.9%); and Gran Canaria, with 10,547 landings and takeoffs (+10.2%).»

Finally, in terms of cargo, «the airport with the highest volume of cargo was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with 62,274 tons, 21.2% more compared to June 2023. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which registered 14,766 tons (+17.2%), Zaragoza, with 12,904 tons (+117.9%), and Vitoria, with 5,543 tons (-14.2%),» they concluded.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Belgian Court Authorizes Seizure of €32 Million in Spanish Air Traffic Revenues]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/belgian-court-authorizes-seizure-of-e32-million-in-spanish-air-traffic-revenues</link>
            <guid>68cdfef4a0ea712e1fb5decb</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:35:02 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[Belgian justice has authorized the seizure of 32 million euros from the revenues Spain receives for managing its air traffic. These funds, transferred monthly by Eurocontrol to the public company Enaire, will now be allocated to Blasket Renewable Investments, one of the companies affected by the non-payment of renewable energy premiums.

Sources from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge assert that the Kingdom of Spain has not been formally notified of this seizure in Belgium. According to the Spanish newspaper Expansión, the Ministry has stated that Spain will oppose the Belgian judicial decision, arguing that it contravenes European state aid regulations and the non-seizability of the credit rights that Enaire holds against Eurocontrol.

This seizure is a consequence of international arbitrations lost by Spain, which condemn it to compensate the companies affected by the retroactive withdrawal of renewable energy premiums with 1.560 billion euros. British courts have already recognized these debts and authorized the seizure of various Spanish assets and properties, including the headquarters of the Cervantes Institute in London and other properties, Expansión details.

The Belgian justice ruling was issued by the Court of Appeals of Belgium on June 18, authorizing the seizure requested by Blasket Renewable Investments. This judicial decision responds to the request to execute one of the awards obliging Spain to compensate renewable energy companies.

In addition to judicial decisions in Belgium, Switzerland and Germany have also recently ruled against Spain in relation to these non-payments, and proceedings are ongoing in countries such as the United States and Australia. The debt accumulated by Spain with Blasket Renewable Investments includes 4 million euros in additional interest, bringing the total amount to be seized to 32 million euros.]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Spotter Alert: Dublin Airport to build aircraft observation deck]]></title>
            <link>https://www.aviacionline.com/spotter-alert-dublin-airport-to-build-aircraft-observation-deck</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:16:15 GMT</pubDate>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Dublin International Airport will build an area for aircraft observation: this structure will benefit aviation enthusiasts, providing them with a better vantage point for watching takeoffs and landings.

The new aircraft observation platform will be located where the current «The Mound» lookout stands, on the south side of Old Airport Rd. From this spot, aviation enthusiasts and spotters will have a clear view of operations on runways 10R/28L and 16/34.

The new spotting point will feature parking for 22 vehicles, including two family-sized bays, larger than the rest, and one designated for people with reduced mobility.

Additionally, it will be fully illuminated, with power supplied by solar panels installed on-site.

Gary McLean, General Manager of Dublin Airport, stated, «Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports worldwide. Besides providing a platform for plane spotting, these facilities also create an interface between the airport and the local community, helping aviation enthusiasts connect with the airport by watching aircraft movements and airport operations.»

«This spot has been an informal plane spotting area for the past 40 years, and we believe it’s time to create a more formal facility. For Dublin’s children, it’s a rite of passage to go to ‘The Mound’ to watch planes take off and land. This new facility will make it safer and more enjoyable for users, and we believe it is a facility the local community will appreciate,» he added.]]></content:encoded>
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