Jurídicos y Administrativos

💵 La Comisión Europea criticó la falta de independencia de la Oficina de Conflictos de Intereses de España, tras validar la actuación de Pedro Sánchez en el rescate de Air Europa con 475 millones de euros. Informes de 2022 y 2023 ya alertaban sobre la autonomía del organismo, vinculado al Ministerio de Transformación Digital y la Función Pública. La Oficina desestimó una denuncia contra Sánchez por conflictos de interés relacionados con el rescate de la aerolínea.

🛫 Starting September 1, the EU reinstates the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage despite new CT scanners in airports. The UK, with some airports already equipped with these scanners, allowed more than 100ml and electronic devices without removal, yet has not reversed this decision, expecting full updates by 2025. Full EU compliance could take years, with Italy's CT-equipped airports now also reverting to enforcing the liquid restriction.

💰 Juan José Hidalgo, presidente de Air Europa, expresses joy for his grandchildren and Spain after Iberia's resignation, seemingly forgetting his workers. Despite affirming Air Europa's viability alone, internal consensus is that sustaining the airline without Iberia is a "mission impossible" due to overwhelming debt, the desire of his children to sell, and increasing competition. Air Europa must repay ICO credit, SEPI aid, and interest, while facing a grim financial forecast and tough competition from Iberia intensified by EU regulations.

🌍 In Catalonia, the tourist tax or "ecotasa" was first implemented in 2012, with rates up to €7.5 per night varying by accommodation type and season. Barcelona adds €3.25 per night for overnight stays and cruises. The Balearic Islands have collected this tax since 2016, ranging from €1 to €4 per night, with a 25% reduction in the low season and a 50% reduction after eight nights. Seniors on Imserso trips and children under 16 are exempt.

📊 The European Commission in Brussels wields vast discretionary power over commercial competition without objective norms to limit decision-making. Iberia, unsure of regulatory outcomes, abandoned its Air Europa acquisition, while Lufthansa's ITA purchase faced similar uncertainties. Dominant market positions are scrutinized; Mercadona and Ryanair must be cautious despite gaining influence through quality and competitive pricing. Amadeus, with an 80% market share, and global tech giants face less regulatory attention. Consumer protection in aviation raises questions about competition and public subsidies. Clearer competition regulations are needed to prevent corruption and ensure market access for new competitors.

🏩 British Airways' Embraer E190SR executed an impressive short stop after landing at San Sebastián Airport. Captured by “Spotting and more”, the aircraft took about 10 seconds from touchdown of its nose gear to completion of the maneuver heading to the boarding gate.

💸 IAG announced the acquisition of Air Europa for €1 billion on November 4, 2019. COVID-19 impacted the deal, leading to a price adjustment to €500 million and a rescue of Air Europa by the Spanish government for €475 million. In March 2022, IAG loaned €100 million to Air Europa, convertible to a 20% stake. In February 2023, they agreed to acquire the remaining 80% for €400 million, pending EU approval. On August 1, 2024, Iberia withdrew from the purchase due to regulatory demands.

🏨 The Spanish Hotel Directors Association (AEDH) and the Hotel Business Association of Madrid (AEHM) filed complaints against Booking in 2021. Booking faces legal action for anti-competitive practices between 2019 and 2024, sanctioned by the CNMC. Spanish hotels impacted by Booking's conduct, which imposed unfair contract terms and restricted competition, may seek civil claims for damages. Over 10,000 potential claimants could seek compensation, with the amount depending on various factors. Eskariam law firm is leading the charge for claims.

🏢 Begoña Gómez frequently visited the World Tourism Organization (OMT) since the creation of Wakalua by Globalia, OMT, and Grupo Barrabés. Despite the innovation hub's operations center being located at Grupo Barrabés' headquarters, she held constant meetings with the OMT's Secretary-General and senior officials. Notably, Gómez visited Javier Hidalgo's office in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid at least twice, once recorded during the first year of the pandemic. Comparatively, her visits to Globalia were minimal versus those to the OMT. Concerns rise over potential influence peddling regarding the Air Europa bailout, amidst the so-called "caso Begoña.

✈ Iberia's planned acquisition of Air Europa has come under scrutiny by the European Commission, noting Qatar Airways' 25% ownership in IAG, which raises concerns about non-European influence on the merged entity, not considered a 'true European champion' like Lufthansa. Key issues focus on competition and market dominance, particularly concerning routes operated by Air Europa.