Alex Cuenca

✈ The Spanish Government has ruled out the construction of a second runway at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport despite a passenger traffic increase of over two million in a single year. Senator Agustín Almodóbar had questioned the necessity of expansion. The government deemed the current facilities sufficient, with modern, secure, and competitively priced installations. Aena has planned an adjustment of the terminal and movement area, with a €19.8 million investment in January for the first phase of technical assistance and drafting. The second runway is included in the airport's Master Plan but will only be built when technically deemed necessary.

🔔 Over 400 hotels have joined a class action lawsuit organized by the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors (AEDH) against Booking for economic compensation over parity clauses, recently challenged by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in September 2023. The lawsuit follows a historic €413 million fine from the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) imposed on Booking. The Spanish hotel sector could claim damages up to €3 billion, with the final amount depending on participation. The contentious clauses were in place from 2004 to June 2024. AEDH provides legal guidance to hoteliers considering joining the claim.

📍 Gabriel Escarrer, President of Exceltur, criticized regional government policies impacting the tourism sector during the inauguration of a report presentation on "Solytur." He highlighted concerns about the trend towards establishing ecotaxes and seeking limitations in coastal Spanish municipalities, which he believes directly affects competitiveness. Escarrer emphasized proactive management and addressed challenges such as population growth, housing shortages exacerbated by tourist flats, rising living costs, and inadequate visitor anticipation. He advocated for off-season promotion, combating illegal vacation rentals, eradicating excessive drinking tourism, pirate taxis, party boats, illegal parties, and unlicensed guides. Escarrer expressed disappointment with the central government for not utilizing Next Generation funds to make coastal destinations competitive for the next 20-25 years.

💸 Ryanair initiated criminal action in Spain against a passenger forcibly removed from a Lanzarote to Santiago de Compostela flight in late January. The man, claiming to be a UN diplomat with immunity, refused to show his boarding pass, causing a 40-minute delay and inconveniencing 137 passengers. He may face 3-12 months in prison or a 6-18 month fine. In early January, Ryanair sued another passenger for over €15,000 for disrupting an April 9 Dublin to Lanzarote flight.