Jurídicos y Administrativos

✈ Turkish Airlines banned Coca Cola and Fanta from flights and airport lounges due to the U.S. alignment with Israel in the Gaza conflict. The ban, reported by Gary Leff, was enacted in November last year amidst backlash against U.S. companies. Exceptions exist, as Coca Cola is still available in Turkish's VIP lounge in Washington, D.C., and the airline continues purchasing Boeing aircraft. Turkish government owns 49% of the airline, indicating political influence in its operations.

🏨 Air traffic controllers from Spain's private airport towers resolved their labor dispute with Apcta, which includes private market providers Saerco and Skyway, thanks to the mediation of SIMA. The conflict started in January 2023, and it affected towers in La Coruña, Alicante-Elche, Castellón, Cuatro Vientos, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, Jerez, Lanzarote, La Palma, Lleida, Murcia, Sabadell, Sevilla, Valencia, and Vigo, resulting in several strikes.

🚩 German and British media published a photo of graffiti in Manacor stating "Kill a tourist." Maria Antònia Sansó, of the Partido Popular in Manacor, condemned the message and demanded immediate cleanup. The incident coincides with Menorca beach blockades to highlight overtourism. No tourism cancellations reported despite widespread news coverage.

💵 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.