Jurídicos y Administrativos

✈ Ryanair threatens to cut its flights in France by 50% due to newly approved taxes for the upcoming year, potentially leaving ten regional airports completely. The "solidarity tax," set at 9.5 euros per European flight, is a significant increase from the current 2.63 euros and will take effect on January 1. Notably, Ryanair closed its Bordeaux base following airport price hikes. The airline currently flies to 22 regional airports in France, with the possibility of reducing that number to just twelve.

🛫 The Spanish government upheld a €179 million fine against five low-cost airlines for charging for hand luggage. Consumer associations urge affected travelers to claim refunds. The fines were distributed as follows: Ryanair €107.78 million (60.23%), Vueling €39.26 million (21.94%), Easyjet €29.09 million (16.26%), Volotea €1.19 million (0.66%), and Norwegian €1.61 million (0.90%). Claims can be made without cost for amounts under €2,000. The airlines, backed by the Airline Association (ALA), plan to appeal the decision, which they consider illegal and potentially harmful to passengers.

💸 Víctor de Aldama admitted meeting with José Luis Ábalos, former Minister of Development, up to 20 times regarding the Air Europa rescue, with one meeting held at Ábalos's government-provided residence. The discussions involved the airline's critical situation, affecting 50,000 direct and indirect workers, and how the rescue shifted from ICO to SEPI due to intense conversations with ministers Calviño and Montero. The government ultimately declared Air Europa a strategic company.

💸 Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, fears a 179 million euro fine levied by the Spanish government against five low-cost airlines could undermine their business model. The fine, which for Ryanair amounts to 107 million euros, is deemed "illegal and unfounded" by O'Leary, who asserts it violates EU law. Legal appeals have been ordered, anticipating EU courts will revoke the fines, which are based on a pre-EU Spanish law from the 60s.

✈ The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 fined five low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Volotea, a total of 179 million euros for abusive practices. Ryanair is responsible for paying the largest portion of the fine, over 107.775 million euros. Minister Pablo Bustinduy confirmed the penalties, which were proposed months ago by the General Secretariat for Consumption and Gaming. The airlines can challenge the fines in court within two months. The unprecedented fine follows a six-year investigation initiated by consumer association FACUA, which included penalties over 150 million euros for abusive clauses like extra charges for cabin luggage.

✈ Spain's government fined five low-cost airlines a total of €179 million for charging for carry-on luggage and other fees. The fines, higher than the initially announced €150 million, include Ryanair (€107.775 million), Vueling (€39.264 million), Easyjet (€29.094 million), Volotea (€1.189 million), and Norwegian (€1.610 million). The Spanish Airline Association (ALA) claims the sanction won't apply until a judicial resolution and is allegedly illegal under EU regulations. The ALA will seek precautionary measures through the courts.

💰 Víctor de Aldama, exasesor of Air Europa, implicated in corrupt schemes, claims he was encouraged by President Sánchez and gave José Luis Ábalos 2 million euros in cash. Aldama's role and connections with Air Europa's issues—debt with Venezuela, SEPI bailout, and masks—are yet to be addressed, as is his link to the UN's World Tourism Organization secretary-general. He admitted to naming Ábalos "Gran" and paying his advisor Koldo García 500,000 euros for a house, highlighting rampant illegal commission payments.

📌 Spanish hoteliers warn of the impending introduction of Marlaska's 'Big Brother' tourism regulation, set to take effect on December 2, which they fear will disadvantage Spain against destinations valuing privacy and administrative simplicity. CEHAT's president, Jorge Marichal, criticizes the regulation for tripling the data requirements, potentially deterring tourists due to intrusive administrative processes and compromising Spain's reputation. Up to 31 data points must be collected, with potential fines up to €30,000 for non-compliance, adding pressure to hoteliers' daily operations. Marichal urges the government to reconsider the measure to protect Spain's tourism economy and maintain its global reputation as a leading destination.

✈ Ryanair, through Malta Air, closed its base at Bordeaux Airport months ago, citing high airport costs. The company left without following proper procedures, affecting its staff—transferring some to other bases and laying off others, including 14 who refused relocation. A court found Ryanair (Malta Air) guilty of not adhering to collective dismissal procedures for its layoffs. Consequently, Ryanair must now initiate a collective dismissal as per the legal requirements. Post-exit, Transavia, Air France's low-cost subsidiary, opened a base and launched seven routes from Bordeaux Airport.

🌍 Major Spanish travel groups, including Viajes El Corte Inglés, Ávoris, and World2Meet (W2M), are bolstering their wholesale divisions to reduce reliance on third-party tour operators and enhance their offerings both for their own and independent agencies. Tourmundial (2018) and Club de Vacaciones (2015) have seen significant growth in sales and offerings. W2M's recent Cibeles brand targets seniors, aiming to be a key supplier for independent travel agencies without mass store openings, while Ávoris launched Ávoris Store to prevent sales leakage to competitors, comprising multiple brands like Travelplan, Jolidey, and Welcomebeds. This trend challenges independent tour operators, already facing margin pressures and a crowded senior tourism market.