On September 12, several key meetings took place regarding the performance and operational management of airports in Spain. Among them, the Madrid Noise Quota and Performance Subcommittee, the Madrid Coordination Committee, and the State Coordination Assembly were highlighted. Below is a summary of the most relevant topics discussed in each of them.
In this meeting, airlines such as Iberia, Swiftair, and European Air Transport participated, as well as representatives from Madrid Airport authorities and AECFA monitoring offices. Key points included:
Madrid Airport Noise Quota: In the winter season of 2023 (W23), 86% of the noise quota was allocated and 71% consumed, while 131% of the reserve was used. For the summer season of 2024 (S24), 66% of the quota is already allocated, and 65% has been consumed, with 132% of the reserve also used.
Punctuality Performance: General on-time performance for the S24 season is 72%, a slight decrease compared to the 74% reached in S23. AECFA issued 46 level 1 warnings for operations outside their allocated slots, and 12 cases received a second warning. Legal actions are being taken against repeat offenders.
With the participation of airlines such as Iberia, Ryanair, Air Europa, and authorities from AENA, ENAIRE, and IATA, the Madrid Committee discussed the following topics:
Slot Situation for S24: Madrid Airport has seen a 7.6% increase in slots and an 11.6% increase in coordinated seats compared to the S23 season. However, there is still a 7% deficit compared to the last summer season before the pandemic (S19). International traffic grew by 13.7%, while domestic traffic grew less.
Congestion and Capacity During Maintenance Work: During the planned works from October 2 to 26, a 25% capacity reduction is expected, worsening coordination problems.
Late Slot Return Procedure (S24 Trial): A new procedure is being tested in which AECFA monitors slot cancellations after the deadline and penalizes operators. In the S24 season, 17 airlines deviated from normal behavior. From W24, these airlines will start accumulating negative points that will affect their slot allocation priority.
Executive Committee Changes for 2025: Members for the 2025 Noise Quota and Performance Subcommittee will include Iberia, Air Nostrum, Air Europa, Ryanair, Binter Canarias (new member), Aeromexico, European Air Transport, and LAN Peru, among others.
This committee brought together key players such as Air Europa, Vueling, Ryanair, and Palma de Mallorca (PMI) airport authorities to discuss slot and capacity issues at various Spanish airports. Key points included:
Slot Situation in S24 and W24: At the national level, Spanish airports saw a 7.2% increase in movements and a 9.8% increase in coordinated seats for the S24 season. Alicante (ALC) and Tenerife Sur (TFS) airports registered significant growth in operations, with increases of 14.3% and 10.4%, respectively. For the W24 season, a 4.4% increase in movements and a 9.5% increase in coordinated seats are expected. Severe congestion issues were detected in the Balearic and Canary Islands, especially in Ibiza (IBZ), which is fully saturated during most of the day.
Capacity Reductions at Key Airports: Palma de Mallorca (PMI) airport will see capacity reductions due to runway and terminal works, affecting the W24 season with a reduction of up to 25% in permitted movements per hour. Other airports like Granada-Jaén (GRX) and Menorca (MAH) will also face passenger capacity restrictions for Non-Schengen flights.
Airlines’ Position on Capacity Reductions: Airlines expressed their disagreement with some of the capacity reductions proposed by AENA, especially in Alicante and Menorca, where a reduction in Non-Schengen movements was suggested. AENA confirmed that the final decision will be made by the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority (AESA).
The discussions in the various committees highlighted the challenges posed by the increase in airport traffic in Spain after the pandemic, with significant growth in international routes. However, capacity restrictions and coordination problems remain a major challenge, particularly on the islands and during maintenance works at key airports.