The San Sebastián Airport has had new instrument approach procedures based on satellite navigation technology through the European EGNOS system since November 28. This innovation improves the performance of previous procedures that relied solely on GPS signals, according to ENAIRE, Spain&#8217;s national air navigation service provider.
According to ENAIRE, the implementation of EGNOS offers an efficient alternative to conventional approaches based on ground-based radio aids, especially at airports with complex terrain and geographical limitations, such as San Sebastián. The organization highlights that the new technology will reduce the decision height during approach and landing, facilitating operations under low cloud ceiling conditions.
The procedures, which primarily affect runway 22, will represent a significant improvement as airlines adopt the required avionics and certifications to operate with EGNOS. ENAIRE specifies that the operational implementation of these systems requires aircraft to be adequately equipped and crews to have the corresponding training.
<h3>More efficient and alternative procedures</h3>
The introduction of this technology adds to improvements made in 2021, when departure and arrival procedures based on conventional VOR/DME radio aids were optimized with GPS satellite navigation. ENAIRE explains that EGNOS systems, which do not rely on ground infrastructure, are particularly useful during periods of maintenance or when radio aids are out of service.
<h3>EGNOS system and European collaboration</h3>
The European EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) system is owned by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and its operation is overseen by the ESSP (European Satellite Services Provider), the service provider authorized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). ENAIRE, together with other air navigation providers from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, is part of ESSP.
For the implementation of these new procedures, ENAIRE carried out the corresponding safety studies, which were subsequently approved by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

San Sebastián Airport adopts EGNOS-based satellite navigation for improved landings

The airports of Grupo Aena (comprising 46 airports and two heliports in Spain, London-Luton Airport, and 17 airports in Brazil) closed the eleventh month of 2024 with 26,433,304 passengers, an 8.7% increase compared to the same month in 2023; handled 240,282 aircraft movements, a 9.2% increase compared to 2023; and transported 130,424 tons of cargo, a 14.1% increase over last year.
In cumulative terms, up to November 2024, Grupo Aena airports have served 342,518,118 passengers (an 8.6% increase over 2023); registered 2,964,370 aircraft movements (+7.2%); and transported 1,297,068 tons of cargo, an 18.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
<h4>Aena airports in Spain</h4>
The Aena airport network in Spain closed November with 21,560,768 passengers, a 9.2% increase over the same month in 2023; handled 193,247 aircraft movements, an 11.1% increase compared to 2023; and transported 120,427 tons of cargo, a 17.6% increase over last year.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport recorded the highest passenger numbers in November with 5,287,809, representing a 9.2% growth compared to the same month last year. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, with 4,048,233 (+5.7% compared to 2023); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 1,612,653 (+9.4%); Gran Canaria, with 1,426,180 (+13.1%); Tenerife Sur, with 1,291,881 (+9.7%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 1,279,116 (+19.6%), and Palma de Mallorca, with 1,199,920 passengers, representing a 9.3% increase compared to November 2023.
A record for passengers in a November was set for the entire Aena network and at 21 airports: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Valencia, Sevilla, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Menorca, Bilbao, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, Ibiza, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, Asturias, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and Son Bonet.
In terms of operations, the airport with the most movements in November was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with a total of 34,177 (+6.8% compared to 2023), followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, with 26,036 flights (+3.4%); Gran Canaria, with 13,156 (+11.5%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 12,068 (+9.7%); Palma de Mallorca, with 10,708 (+8.5%); Tenerife Sur, with 8,668 (+9.1%), and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 8,566 landings and takeoffs (+23%).
Additionally, November 2024 recorded the month with the highest global operations for Aena and at 18 infrastructures: Gran Canaria, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Sevilla, Sabadell, Jerez, Ibiza, La Palma, Burgos, Córdoba, Logroño, El Hierro, and the Region of Murcia International Airport. Furthermore, Tenerife Sur and Fuerteventura airports also recorded the month with the highest operations in their history.
Regarding cargo traffic, November 2024 recorded the highest total cargo traffic to date for the entire Aena network in Spain. Among the airports, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas had the largest cargo volume, with 71,438 tons, a 16.8% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
This represents the November with the highest total commercial cargo traffic in the history of the Madrid facility, as well as Zaragoza Airport, with 21,091 tons (+50.6%), which also set a historical cargo record. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which recorded 15,157 tons (+9.5%), and Vitoria, with 5,838 tons (-9%).
By the end of November 2024, Aena airports in Spain have served 287,628,309 travelers (a 9.4% increase compared to 2023); registered 2,402,011 aircraft movements (+7.8%), and transported 1,169,188 tons of cargo, a 19.3% increase over the same period in 2023.
<h4>Aena airports in Brazil</h4>
The 17 airports of Aena Brazil reached 3,734,647 passengers in November, a 6.3% increase compared to the same month in 2023. They operated 37,901 aircraft movements, representing a 2.2% increase compared to November 2023, and transported 7,484 tons of cargo, a 19.9% decrease compared to the same month last year.
The group of six ANB airports (1) closed November with 1,332,056 passengers (+9.7%). Recife Airport reached 784,173 passengers (+4.8%). A total of 12,273 flights were operated (+1.1%), of which Recife managed 6,945 (-2.3%). They transported 4,983 tons of cargo (+3.1%), of which 4,013 tons corresponded to Recife Airport (+2.3%).
The group of eleven BOAB airports (2) recorded 2,402,591 passengers in November (+4.6% compared to the same month in 2023). Among them, Congonhas Airport (3) stood out with 2,041,025 travelers (+5.1%). A total of 25,628 flights were operated (+2.7%), with 19,259 flights handled at the São Paulo capital airport (+3.4%). They transported 2,501 tons of cargo (-44.6%). Congonhas Airport in São Paulo managed 2,021 tons, a 46.5% decrease compared to the same month last year.
Between January and November 2024, Aena airports in Brazil have served 39,437,340 travelers (+5.5%); registered 440,583 aircraft movements (+5.3%), and transported 99,281 tons of cargo, a 12.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
<h4>London-Luton Airport</h4>
During November, London-Luton Airport handled 1,137,889 passengers (4), a 6.3% increase compared to the same month in 2023. It managed 9,134 aircraft movements (+2.2%) and transported 2,513 tons of cargo (5), a 3% decrease compared to 2023.
Up to the eleventh month of 2024, the airport recorded 15,452,469 travelers (4) (+3.2%), managed 121,776 aircraft movements (+3%), and transported 28,599 tons of cargo (5) (+19.7%).

Aena Airports Report Record Growth in Passengers, Flights, and Cargo for November 2024

This November 28, the expansion of the <a href="https://www.airports.gl/en/airport/nuuk/">Nuuk International Airport (GOH)</a><a href="https://www.airports.gl/en/airport/nuuk/"> officially opened</a>, Greenland, enabling intercontinental flights and boosting commerce and tourism in the island&#8217;s capital. The Government of Greenland, in collaboration with the concessionaire Kalaallit Airports, invested approximately USD 300 million in this project.
At the same time, Air Greenland landed on the new runway with its Airbus A330neo, named «Tuukkaq,» marking the largest aircraft to have ever arrived in the capital, witnessed by a crowd of locals and tourists from around the world who gathered to witness this historic event.
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				Air Greenland en su promer vuelo de Copenhague a Nuuk. Foto de CPH Airport
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				Foto: Visit Nuuk by Kim Rosing y Oscar Scott Car
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				Foto: Visit Nuuk by Kim Rosing y Oscar Scott Car
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The Nuuk airport expansion is part of an ambitious governmental plan to improve the island&#8217;s airport infrastructure, aligning with current safety standards. This project also includes the construction of new facilities and the expansion of key airfields such as Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq.
Kalaallit Airports International A/S and Munck Gruppen A/S have formalized the general contract for constructing new runways at Ilulissat Airport (JAV), aiming to strengthen the tourism infrastructure.
<h4>Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, goes international</h4>
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The improved Nuuk airport infrastructure features an extended runway from 950 to 2,200 meters in length and 45 meters in width, two taxiways, an independent control tower, a new terminal with an apron, and service buildings, designed to handle 800 passengers per hour.
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The expansion was carried out without interrupting Nuuk’s operations, as it is one of the most critical access points to the capital, home to over 19,000 inhabitants. The work was done in two phases: the north-south section was upgraded to meet specifications for wide-body aircraft operations, and the north section was extended from 950 to 2,200 meters. In total, nearly 6 million cubic meters of rock were moved to support the airport&#8217;s construction.
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				Foto: Air Greenland
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				Foto: Visit Nuuk by Kim Rosing y Oscar Scott Car
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This expansion enables Nuuk to host intercontinental flights. Previously, airlines had to land in Narsarsuaq and Kangerlussuaq, offering several daily operations from there to local destinations with Air Greenland&#8217;s De Havilland Canada DHC Q200 aircraft seating 29-37 passengers.
With Nuuk&#8217;s new airport, operations at both airfields are expected to decrease in the future, although their surrounding tourist attractions will ensure they continue to receive flights year-round. Meanwhile, Nuuk opens the door to attracting airlines and new destinations, as well as the potential modernization of Air Greenland&#8217;s regional and medium-haul aircraft.
<h4>More flights in Greenland</h4>
Before the inauguration, several airlines expressed interest in landing in the Green Land, as the Vikings called it upon discovering it.
Icelandair, which previously operated with Dash Q300 and -400 aircraft, will replace them with Boeing 737 MAX 8 starting in April 2025. During the summer season, after two decades, Scandinavian Airlines Systems (SAS) will return to Greenland from Copenhagen with Airbus A320neo aircraft between June and August. The surprise was the first connection to the United States, following the announcement by United Airlines with flights from Newark (EWR) on Boeing 737 MAX 8, which will operate from June to September.
Meanwhile, Air Greenland will transfer flights to Copenhagen from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk with its A330neo and add a second daily frequency with a Boeing 737-800 through a wet-lease agreement with Jettime. Additionally, it will launch two new destinations: Billund and Aalborg.

Air Greenland Lands First A330neo at New Nuuk International Airport

<a href="https://www.dnata.com/media-centre/dnata-is-first-ground-services-provider-in-europe-to-earn-iatas-environmental-management-certification-ienva/">dnata</a>, one of the world’s leading air and travel services providers, has become the first ground handling operator in Europe to receive the environmental management certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This recognition highlights the company’s dedication to implementing robust sustainability initiatives.
The IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) is a certification program developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders, such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, carriers, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.
IATA’s comprehensive evaluation rigorously assessed dnata’s sustainability practices and efforts across its extensive operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
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Jan van Anrooy, Managing Director of dnata Netherlands, stated: “We are proud to be the first ground handling operator to achieve the prestigious IEnvA certification in Europe. This accomplishment reflects our team’s dedication to environmental efficiency and our consistent efforts to contribute to dnata’s global decarbonization process. We will continue investing in infrastructure, equipment, and process improvement to further reduce our environmental footprint.”
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, stated: “We congratulate dnata Netherlands on becoming the first ground and cargo handling operator in Europe to achieve full IEnvA registration. This significant milestone demonstrates dnata Schiphol’s commitment to sustainable aviation and environmental excellence. By adhering to global environmental standards and best practices, dnata Schiphol is setting a strong example for the industry. We look forward to working together to continue driving sustainable aviation practices.”
<h4>Ongoing investments</h4>
In recent years, dnata Netherlands has made significant investments in electrifying its ground support equipment fleet to reduce emissions. Currently, more than 70% of its ground support equipment is powered by electricity or solar energy, with the remainder running on 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) biofuel.
dnata’s new facility, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, has also been designed with a strong focus on sustainability. The facility, set to open in 2025, will be equipped with solar panels, charging stations for electric vehicles, and air-source heat pumps. The cargo center will be BREEAM-certified (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
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<h4>Significant improvement in environmental performance</h4>
Globally, dnata recently reported significant improvements in key environmental performance metrics for the 2023-24 fiscal year. As a result of its consistent focus and initiatives, the company reduced the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22%, and 26% in its airport, travel, and catering businesses, respectively. All data has been validated by Verifavia, an accredited, independent environmental verification and auditing body.
In addition to the Netherlands, dnata also obtained IEnvA certification for its diverse business portfolio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

dnata Becomes Europe’s First Ground Handler Certified for Environmental Excellence by IATA

The Bilbao Airport Acoustic Insulation Plan has reached a total of 2,370 soundproofing interventions in nearby homes, according to Aena during the meeting of the airport&#8217;s Environmental Monitoring Committee. According to the company, 168 homes were recently soundproofed, while another six are currently in progress.
The updated census includes 2,764 homes eligible to request acoustic improvements, although 193 properties have yet to exercise this right. Additionally, the committee approved seven new applications and noted that another seven are pending completion of the required documentation.
Aena detailed that, following acoustic measurements conducted in several homes, the need for additional soundproofing was identified in 25 properties. For these, the corresponding projects and budgets are currently being drafted. Likewise, soundproofing works were awarded for approximately 80 additional homes as part of a new agreement promoted by the company.
The meeting was attended by representatives from nearby municipalities such as Derio, Erandio, Loiu, Sondika, and Zamudio, as well as organizations including the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency, and the Bizkaia Provincial Council.
Residents interested in additional information can contact the Acoustic Insulation Plan Office via email at <a rel="noopener">oficina.paa@ineco.com</a> or by phone at 91 590 31 70.

Bilbao Airport Reaches 2,370 Homes Soundproofed Under Acoustic Insulation Plan

A new VIP Lounge in Terminal T1 at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has been inaugurated, catering to passengers of international flights outside the Schengen area.
Located next to the Cibeles Lounge, it spans a total area of 1,500 square meters, 419 of which are dedicated to an open-air terrace overlooking the aircraft movement area. According to <a href="https://www.aena.es" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aena</a>, the lounge has a capacity for 351 passengers, including 88 seats on the terrace. Inside, there are rest areas, workspaces, catering areas, a bar, and showers, among other amenities.
Access is reserved for passengers on non-Schengen flights with a boarding pass for Terminal T1, allowing a maximum stay of four hours before the scheduled flight departure time. The entry fee for adults and children aged 11 and older is €48.30, for children aged 6 to 10, €23.10, and it is free for children under 5. Fast Track access costs an additional €15.55.
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Aena highlights that the terrace includes several distinct areas, such as chill-out spaces, high and low tables, and lounge chairs from which visitors can observe air and vehicle traffic on the apron. All facilities are accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The lounge operates 24/7, offering catering services tailored to different times of the day. The total investment in this lounge, including furniture, amounted to €3.7 million.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-346456" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/sala-vip-Madrid-Barajas-interior-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
<h4>Renovation of the Cibeles Lounge and increased capacity</h4>
The opening of this lounge will enable improvement works in the Cibeles VIP Lounge, which currently has an area of 1,735 square meters and a 168-square-meter terrace. According to Aena, the renovations aim to double the space allocated to VIP services in Terminal T1 by next summer, reaching a total area of over 3,400 square meters between the two lounges.
Aena states that this expansion addresses the growing demand for VIP services in recent years. The company claims that the primary goal is «to offer the best service to travelers, adapting to their needs.»
Network of VIP and Premium Lounges
With the addition of this lounge, Madrid-Barajas Airport now features six VIP Lounges distributed across its terminals: Cibeles and the new lounge in T1, Puerta de Alcalá in T2, Puerta del Sol in T3, and Plaza Mayor and Neptuno in T4 and T4S, respectively.
Additionally, the airport offers a Premium Lounge that includes exclusive services such as private parking and security checkpoints, personalized transport to the aircraft, and assistance with check-in and documentation procedures.
Regarding gastronomic offerings, Aena highlights that the VIP Lounge menu is designed by Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle, who has collaborated with the company since 2020. The facilities have been decorated with high-quality, designer furniture, focusing on comfort and functionality for travelers.
&nbsp;

Experience Luxury: Madrid-Barajas Airport Debuts New VIP Lounge in T1

At 8:20 AM local time yesterday, Tuesday (20th), the inaugural flight of <a href="https://www.hainanairlines.com/US/ES/Home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hainan Airlines</a> from Shenzhen, China, landed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This is the airline&#8217;s second route to the Spanish capital after its connection with Chongqing-Jiangbei.
The flights, which will operate twice a week, are conducted using Boeing 787-9 aircraft with a capacity of 292 passengers, offering a total of 1,168 weekly seats.
<ul>
<li>Shenzhen – Madrid flight HU 749 SZX 01:45 – 08:45 MAD / Tuesdays and Saturdays.</li>
<li>Madrid – Shenzhen flight HU 750 MAD 10:55 – 06:50 (+1) SZX / Tuesdays and Saturdays.</li>
</ul>
Shenzhen is positioned as Hainan Airlines’ third most important hub, according to the Cirium platform, with over 1,500 monthly flights. This allows passengers from Madrid to connect to other destinations within China. Likewise, Madrid becomes the airline’s eleventh international destination, joining cities such as Auckland, Brussels, Budapest, Cairo, Milan, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv, Vancouver, and Vienna.
<figure id="attachment_345518" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-345518" style="width: 1590px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-345518" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024.jpeg" alt="Photo: Aena" width="1600" height="1200" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024.jpeg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024-1200x900.jpeg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/Hainan-Airlines-inaugural-madrid-shenzen-19NOV2024-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-345518" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Aena</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.aena.es" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aena</a> highlighted that, along with Latin America, Asia is another key market for Madrid-Barajas, which now has connections to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Wenzhou, Chongqing-Jiangbei, Bangkok, Tokyo, and now Shenzhen. They noted that between January and October 2024, passenger traffic between Madrid and Asia grew by 133% compared to the same period the previous year. During the summer, there were also flights to Urgench and Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
The Madrid-Barajas airport network to cities over 3,000 kilometers away is structured as follows, according to data compiled by Aviacionline via Cirium:
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-345521" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024.jpg" alt="" width="1709" height="723" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024.jpg 1709w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024-300x127.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024-1600x677.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024-768x325.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024-1536x650.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/madrid-barajas-red-destinos-diciembre-2024-150x63.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1709px) 100vw, 1709px" /></a>

Hainan Airlines Launches Shenzhen-Madrid Route with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The Región de Murcia International Airport (AIRM) has launched a new incentive program aimed at airlines conducting training flights. This scheme includes a rebate of up to 50% on landing fees and aims to facilitate operations related to crew training. According to the airport operator, the program came into effect on November 1, 2024, and will initially run until October 31, 2026.
The initiative, approved in October, seeks to position the Región de Murcia International Airport as an attractive destination for this type of operation by combining economic incentives with the operational advantages offered by the terminal. According to <a href="https://www.aena.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aena</a>, these advantages include favorable weather conditions, modern facilities, and an optimal operating environment.
<h4>Ryanair kicks off training flights</h4>
Ryanair was the first airline to benefit from the program, using AIRM&#8217;s facilities since last week for landing, takeoff, and approach maneuvers with Boeing 737 aircraft. These operations can last up to six hours, including the use of surrounding airspace.
Aena highlights that these activities are scheduled well in advance and are integrated in a way that is compatible with the airport’s regular operations. “Close collaboration between the airline, the control tower service, and the AIRM Operations Center is key to the success of these operations,” they noted.
<h4>A new business model</h4>
According to AIRM, the goal of this incentive is not only to attract training flights but also to explore new business lines that expand the airport&#8217;s activities. The Murcia terminal is confident that these advantageous conditions will solidify its position as a strategic hub for crew training.
Ryanair’s initial commitment could set a precedent for other airlines to choose AIRM as a base for this type of operation, potentially boosting the dynamism of the Región de Murcia’s airport infrastructure.

Murcia Airport Launches Incentive Program with 50% Rebate for Training Flights

The San Pablo Airport in Seville faces growing challenges in meeting the transportation demands of its increasing passenger base, according to a report by Fernándo Perez Ävila in the <a href="https://www.diariodesevilla.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diario de Sevilla</a>. Despite consistently achieving record user numbers, the taxi service, controlled by a limited group of drivers, has not kept pace, leaving travelers dealing with long waits and insufficient service.
<h4>Passenger growth versus lack of taxis</h4>
In October 2024, San Pablo Airport set a new record with 839,011 passengers, an 8.8% increase compared to the same month the previous year. This translates to a daily average of 27,063 users. However, as highlighted by the Diario de Sevilla, the number of taxi drivers operating at the terminal remains almost the same as two decades ago, when annual traffic ranged between two and three million passengers.
Currently, only about 215 taxi drivers, affiliated with the Hispalense Taxi Solidarity Association, are authorized to operate at the airport. After factoring in rest shifts, this leaves only 140 to 160 drivers available per day, an obviously insufficient number. The lack of a direct rail connection to the city further complicates the situation, forcing passengers to rely almost exclusively on taxis, the Tussam public bus, or private vehicles.
<h4>A monopoly worsening the issue</h4>
The airport taxi stand operates under what Pérez Ávila describes as a «de facto monopoly«. While this system benefits the involved taxi drivers financially—working with flat rates of €24.98 on weekdays and €27.84 at night and on weekends—it limits taxi availability and discourages non-affiliated drivers from operating in the area. Attempts by non-affiliated drivers to pick up passengers have led to tensions and confrontations, as documented by the <a href="https://www.diariodesevilla.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diario de Sevilla</a>, which even reported threats among drivers.
The monopoly has also historically led to practices of intimidation, sabotage, and reprisals against those who challenge the current structure. According to the Diario de Sevilla, these incidents have included vehicle damage and attacks at the homes of taxi drivers.
<h4>Necessary reforms</h4>
Both the sector and users have proposed solutions, such as implementing a rotating system similar to the one successfully operating at Málaga Airport. This proposal is supported by the Andalusian High Court of Justice, which ruled in 2002 that such a system would improve service quality and promote fairness among drivers. However, previous attempts to introduce this measure, like the initiative led by the City Council in 2003, failed due to opposition from some sectors of the taxi guild, including threats against municipal officials.
Despite this, many taxi drivers in Seville support this reform, which would allow fair rotation and improve taxi availability at the terminal. Nevertheless, local governments have avoided tackling the issue out of fear of strikes or boycotts during critical tourism periods such as Holy Week or the April Fair.
<h4>An uncertain future</h4>
The current City Council has acknowledged the problem but has yet to take concrete action. In statements collected by the Diario de Sevilla, municipal authorities noted that «we are working with taxi drivers to improve the service… For now, all possibilities are being studied, but nothing is defined.»
With San Pablo Airport reaching record numbers and solidifying its role as a key driver of Seville&#8217;s tourism, resolving this conflict is becoming increasingly urgent. A more equitable system, along with additional transportation alternatives, could ease pressure on users and improve the airport’s image as a gateway to the city.

The Taxi Monopoly at Seville Airport: A Growing Problem for Travelers

During the Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2024 in Miami, <a href="https://www.glasgowprestwick.com">Glasgow Prestwick Airport</a> (PIK) and <a href="https://flyrfd.com">Chicago Rockford International Airport</a> (RFD) announced a joint development agreement aimed at strengthening air cargo connections between Scotland and the United States.
The alliance seeks to consolidate a key air trade corridor, linking two airports that operate 24/7 services with no restrictions on nighttime flights. According to Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at PIK, the initial focus will be on cargo transportation for the aerospace industry, given that both airports are located in significant clusters of this sector. Additionally, the agreement leverages PIK’s recent designation as the Royal Mail Group’s international e-commerce gateway to the UK, as well as RFD’s role as a U.S. e-commerce hub.
Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD, highlighted that air cargo flow between Chicago and the UK exceeds 26,000 tons annually but lacks direct routes to Scotland. This collaboration aims to bridge that gap while also opening opportunities in sectors such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. “This alliance not only aims to increase connectivity but also deliver cost savings and CO2 reductions for carriers,” Oakley emphasized.
The announcement took place in a setting that exemplifies the importance of such collaborations. The ACF 2024 organized by The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), serves as a global platform that this year brought together industry leaders, including airports, airlines, and service providers. The event not only facilitated strategic negotiations but also offered networking activities, ranging from receptions to golf tournaments.
With more than 220 exhibitors and 3,500 unique attendees at its previous edition, the ACF has established itself as a key forum for the air cargo industry, attracting leading companies. In this context, the collaboration between PIK and RFD stands out as a strategic move to capitalize on growth opportunities in high-demand markets such as e-commerce and industrial freight.
Both airports will leverage the visibility provided by this event, with PIK aiming to strengthen its presence in the global air cargo market. Through this alliance, they aim to establish a new cargo route that benefits carriers and the local economies of Scotland and the United States, while advancing sustainability and operational efficiency goals.
<figure id="attachment_344938" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-344938" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-344938 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/w660_14327079_07cf7992-1465-44cf-a28e-3091e5cf7a52.webp" alt="Nico Le Roux (left), Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Zack Oakley (right), Executive Director, Chicago Rockford International Airport, launch new partnership at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2024" width="660" height="495" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/w660_14327079_07cf7992-1465-44cf-a28e-3091e5cf7a52.webp 660w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/w660_14327079_07cf7992-1465-44cf-a28e-3091e5cf7a52-300x225.webp 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/w660_14327079_07cf7992-1465-44cf-a28e-3091e5cf7a52-150x113.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-344938" class="wp-caption-text">Nico Le Roux (left), Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Zack Oakley (right), Executive Director, Chicago Rockford International Airport, launch new partnership at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2024</figcaption></figure>

Scotland-U.S. air cargo boosted by Glasgow Prestwick and Chicago Rockford partnership

After ten months, this Tuesday will mark the second meeting of the year for the technical commission that will address the expansion of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, aiming to reactivate efforts to have the diagnosis and recommendations on how to optimize the airport&#8217;s capacity by early 2025.
The information was shared by the EFE agency, which highlights that the expansion of Barcelona Airport is one of the priorities of the Government of Salvador Illa, although it must be «environmentally respectful.»
One of the proposals involves extending the third runway (06R/21L) by approximately 500 meters towards the La Ricarda lagoon. However, this has faced political opposition due to the potential environmental impact on the ecosystem.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-336477" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg" alt="" width="1760" height="863" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg 1760w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-300x147.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-1600x785.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-768x377.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-1536x753.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-150x74.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1760px) 100vw, 1760px" /></a>
Additionally, they are considering the use of the runways for both takeoffs and landings during specific summer hours, which would reduce the need to extend the runway but could increase noise levels in nearby areas.
EFE also reports that Salvador Illa has not yet stated his preference on the best option for improving the capacity of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, noting that the focus for now is «listening to the experts.» If there is <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-el-prat-obras-de-ampliacion-podrian-comenzar-en-2027-si-hay-acuerdo-politico/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">political agreement</a> on the chosen course of action, expansion work could begin by 2027.
All of this is happening as the airport approaches its maximum capacity, emphasizing the urgency of making a decision and implementing it.
The capacity of Barcelona-El Prat is set at 55 million passengers annually, a threshold that is nearing after a historic increase in traffic this year. Some long-haul airlines were forced to operate from Terminal T2 this summer due to a lack of space in T1, a situation that has underscored the need to address infrastructure expansion.
Between January and August 2024, El Prat handled 36.88 million passengers, a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and 7.1% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. The number of operations grew by 9.1% compared to 2023 (reaching 278,611 flights).
The non-European network of Barcelona-El Prat Airport has now surpassed 40 cities in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
<figure id="attachment_336482" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336482" style="width: 1951px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-336482" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg" alt="Barcelona-El Prat's non-European network, September 2024 (map created with Cirium Schedule Mapper)" width="1961" height="755" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg 1961w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-300x116.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-1600x616.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-768x296.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-1536x591.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-150x58.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1961px) 100vw, 1961px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336482" class="wp-caption-text">Barcelona-El Prat&#8217;s non-European network, September 2024 (map created with Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>

Barcelona-El Prat Expansion: Technical Meeting Reviews Potential Solutions

London Heathrow Airport saw record traffic figures in August, handling 7.97 million passengers, 5.5% more than during the same month in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive month with never-before-seen numbers.
On August 18, 269,000 passengers were handled, the highest number ever recorded in a single day in the history of Heathrow Airport, following a streak of 13 days with over 260,000 travelers in the same month.
Almost all markets recorded growth, with the domestic market leading at 12.3% (405,000 passengers), followed by the European Union with 10.6% (2.79 million) and non-EU European traffic with 6.1% (524,000). The Asia-Pacific market grew by 4.2% (968,000 passengers), Latin America by 2.6% (180,000 passengers), the Middle East by 2.4% (811,000 passengers), while the United States and Canada grew by 2% (2 million). Africa was the only market that decreased, with -8.6% (282,000 passengers).
Thus, between January and August, Heathrow Airport handled 55.78 million passengers, a figure 5.5% higher than during the same period the previous year.
Additionally, in August, Heathrow had 41,573 aircraft movements, 4.2% more than in August 2023. Air cargo grew by 10.7%, reaching 133,327 metric tons handled.
Heathrow management highlighted that Los Angeles and Madrid were the latest routes to join the «million-passenger club» (those with over one million passengers), following Doha, Dublin, Dubai (DXB), and New York (JFK).
«I want to thank the Heathrow team for their preparation and dedication in delivering an extraordinary getaway experience for more passengers than ever before, while maintaining strong service levels during what has been our busiest summer,» said Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow Airport.
«Over the past four months, we&#8217;ve broken several new records, showcasing our ability to open up a world of opportunities for more people, cargo, business, and the UK economy,» he concluded.
<h3>Heathrow by the numbers</h3>
<ul>
<li>81 airlines operate regular passenger flights at London Heathrow Airport.</li>
<li>The network of destinations served from Heathrow reaches 210 cities around the world as of September.</li>
<li>New York/JFK is the route with the highest number of seats offered, with around 39,000 weekly in each direction.</li>
<li>New York-JFK airport also has the highest number of flights, with 154 departures each week.</li>
<li>British Airways is responsible for 45.9% of the seat capacity offered and 50.5% of the flights.</li>
</ul>
<figure id="attachment_337283" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-337283" style="width: 1672px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-337283" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024.jpeg" alt="The impressive network of destinations from London Heathrow Airport (September 2024 - Cirium Schedule Mapper)" width="1682" height="850" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024.jpeg 1682w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024-300x152.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024-1600x809.jpeg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024-768x388.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024-1536x776.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/heathro-red-septiembre-2024-150x76.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1682px) 100vw, 1682px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337283" class="wp-caption-text">The impressive network of destinations from London Heathrow Airport (September 2024 &#8211; Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>
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Heathrow Airport Registers Highest Daily Traffic in History

The Catalan government aims to begin the expansion works of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport by 2027, in an effort to increase the capacity of the infrastructure, which is nearing its technical limit. According to a report by <a href="https://lavanguardia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Vanguardia</a>, the airport&#8217;s capacity is set at 55 million passengers per year, a threshold that is close to being reached following a historic increase in traffic this year. Some long-haul airlines were forced to operate from terminal T2 this summer due to the lack of space in T1, highlighting the need to address the airport&#8217;s expansion.
Between January and July 2024, El Prat handled 31.4 million passengers, a figure 12.2% higher than in the same period in 2023, and even 4.3% higher than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. The number of operations grew by 10.7% compared to 2023 (reaching 199,752 flights) and 0.4% compared to 2019.
<figure id="attachment_336481" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336481" style="width: 449px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-evolucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-2019-hasta-julio-2024.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-336481" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-evolucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-2019-hasta-julio-2024.jpg" alt="Passenger traffic at Barcelona airport - 2019 to 2024 (January-July). Source: Aena" width="459" height="263" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-evolucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-2019-hasta-julio-2024.jpg 459w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-evolucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-2019-hasta-julio-2024-300x172.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/aeropuerto-de-barcelona-evolucion-trafico-de-pasajeros-2019-hasta-julio-2024-150x86.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 459px) 100vw, 459px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336481" class="wp-caption-text">Passenger traffic at Barcelona airport &#8211; 2019 to 2024 (January-July). Source: Aena</figcaption></figure>
The Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque, announced that in the coming days she will meet with the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, to resume talks between the central government and the Generalitat, with the aim of finding a viable technical solution for the expansion. According to the Spanish newspaper, the proposal would be included in the new master plan for the airport in early 2025, with possible construction starting in 2027 if an agreement is reached.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/08/air-china-retoma-sus-vuelos-entre-shanghai-y-barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air China resumes its flights between Shanghai and Barcelona</a>
One of the main challenges of this expansion is finding a proposal that does not create conflict among the governing coalition partners, such as Esquerra Republicana (ERC) and the Comuns, who have expressed their opposition to the extension of the third runway (06R/21L) towards the La Ricarda lagoon. For ERC, this extension represents a “red line,” complicating the possibility of consensus. However, the executive led by Salvador Illa remains committed to unlocking the project, but it is constrained by the coalition agreement, which prioritizes modernizing the airport and increasing long-haul intercontinental connections.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-336477 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg" alt="" width="1760" height="863" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista.jpg 1760w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-300x147.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-1600x785.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-768x377.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-1536x753.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/BARCELONA-AEROPUERTO-plano-extension-pista-150x74.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1760px) 100vw, 1760px" /></a>
Despite the political tensions, a dozen proposals have already been submitted to improve the airport&#8217;s capacity for long-haul flights. La Vanguardia reports that the original proposal from <a href="https://www.aena.es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aena</a>, supported by the central government, included an investment of 1.7 billion euros to extend the third runway by 500 meters and build a satellite terminal. However, this idea has faced resistance due to its environmental impact on the La Ricarda lagoon. ERC, for its part, suggested using the runways for both take-offs and landings during specific summer hours, which would reduce the need for runway extension but increase noise in nearby areas.
The business sector, led by Foment del Treball, has also proposed alternatives, including extending the runway with an elevated platform over La Ricarda. Despite the multiple proposals, none have yet garnered the necessary consensus to move forward.
In conclusion, the future of the El Prat expansion remains uncertain and largely depends on political negotiations in the coming months. Meanwhile, the airport continues to approach its maximum capacity, underscoring the urgency for a decision.
Barcelona-El Prat&#8217;s international network outside of Europe has already surpassed 40 cities in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Air China was the latest international airline to resume its flights to Barcelona last week with a non-stop service from Shanghai.
<figure id="attachment_336482" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336482" style="width: 1951px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-336482" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg" alt="Barcelona-El Prat non-European destination network, September 2024 (map created with Cirium Schedule Mapper)" width="1961" height="755" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024.jpg 1961w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-300x116.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-1600x616.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-768x296.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-1536x591.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/barcelona-el-prat-aeropuerto-red-intercontinental-septiembre-2024-150x58.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1961px) 100vw, 1961px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336482" class="wp-caption-text">Barcelona-El Prat non-European destination network, September 2024 (map created with Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>

Catalan government accelerates Barcelona-El Prat expansion talks amid record passenger growth

In August, Dublin and Cork airports saw a combined total of 3.8 million passengers, continuing the record-breaking demand for international travel that has characterized the summer of 2024. Dublin Airport experienced its busiest month ever, while Cork Airport recorded a 10% increase in passengers compared to the previous year.
<h4>Dublin Airport achieves milestone with over 3.46 million passengers</h4>
Dublin Airport handled 3.46 million passengers in August, making it the busiest month in its 84-year history. The airport reached new highs during the week of August 12, with 829,000 passengers recorded, and on Sunday, August 18, with a record 124,600 passengers passing through its two terminals in a single day.
From May to August, over 10 million passengers traveled through Dublin Airport, bringing the total number for the year to 22.7 million by the end of August. According to <a href="https://www.dublinairport.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daa</a>, the operator of both airports, this marks a 5.5% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023, a trend expected to continue into September.
However, daa anticipates a decline in passenger numbers starting in late autumn, largely due to the Irish Aviation Authority&#8217;s (IAA) winter slot decision, which will reduce available seats for flights to and from Dublin from November to March. Airlines have also reduced some operations due to concerns over Dublin’s passenger cap of 32 million, which daa warns may be exceeded in 2024 despite efforts to manage demand.
“This leaves Dublin Airport caught between a rock and a hard place. We want to grow so we can continue to connect Ireland with the world and support FDI, tourism and jobs. But while we wait for planning to be granted, we are doing everything we can to comply with existing planning conditions. While our actions to dampen airline demand have reduced passenger numbers by approximately 650,000, we do not control the slot process. We now forecast that passenger numbers will exceed 32 million and will be closer to 33 million in 2024,» said daa CEO Kenny Jacobs.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/05/delta-air-lines-boosts-minneapolis-transatlantic-connectivity-with-new-service-to-dublin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delta Air Lines boosts Minneapolis transatlantic connectivity with new service to Dublin</a>
<h4>Cork Airport continues rapid growth</h4>
Cork Airport saw a record 340,705 passengers in August, a 10% year-on-year increase. This growth was supported by a busy August bank holiday weekend, with 65,000 travelers passing through the airport, up 5% from 2023. Additionally, on August 21, Cork Airport reached the two million passenger milestone for the year, three months earlier than in 2023.
The airport is now on track to exceed three million passengers by the end of 2024. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) highlighted Cork Airport as the fastest-growing of Ireland’s state airports, with an 11% growth rate in the first seven months of the year.
<h4>Challenges at Dublin Airport</h4>
Despite the strong summer performance, CEO Kenny Jacobs expressed concerns over Dublin Airport’s ability to handle further growth due to planning restrictions. Jacobs noted, «We forecast that passenger numbers will exceed 32 million and be closer to 33 million in 2024, despite efforts to manage demand.»
Dublin Airport has applied to Fingal County Council to increase its passenger cap to 40 million as part of a larger infrastructure plan aimed at supporting sustainable growth. In parallel, daa is preparing an alternative proposal to raise the cap without the additional infrastructure, in hopes of expediting the process.
“It is in no one&#8217;s interests to curtail tourism and investment at a time when so much public and private money is being spent to do the complete opposite. We are a small, open, island economy on the edge of Europe that has always punched above our weight but we need more joined-up thinking in the development of critical infrastructure. It’s time to all come together to realise an ambitious vision of Ireland that sets us up for the future. This includes support for growth at Dublin Airport, so we can keep delivering for Ireland, and growth at Ireland’s great regional airports at Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and Donegal.” concluded Jacobs.

Dublin Airport breaks traffic records but faces capacity limit imposed by authorities

Aena is working with Bank of America Securities to divest its 33.4% stake in Aeropuertos Mexicanos del Pacífico, which operates 12 airports in Mexico through Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), according to the Spanish newspaper <a href="https://www.eleconomista.es/infraestructuras-servicios/noticias/12939305/08/24/aena-planea-vender-su-participacion-en-los-aeropuertos-de-mexico.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">El Economista</a> based on information from Mergermarket, specialized in mergers and acquisitions.
The information indicates that Aena has already received non-binding offers for its stake in the Mexican company, but a second round is expected, which could take several more months, considering the review of the tariff proposal in Mexico as one of the key points.
The company nevertheless indicated that «as the world&#8217;s leading airport operator, Aena constantly and rigorously analyzes its international assets to ensure maximum value for its shareholders.»
GAP has been operating 12 Mexican airports since 1998, 5 of which were among the top 10 in passenger traffic in the country in 2023:
<ul>
<li>Guadalajara: 17.72 million passengers (3rd in the country)</li>
<li>Tijuana: 13.2 million passengers (5th in the country)</li>
<li>Los Cabos: 7.73 million passengers (6th in the country)</li>
<li>Puerto Vallarta: 6.79 million passengers (7th in the country)</li>
<li>Guanajuato: 3.23 million passengers (9th in the country)</li>
<li>Hermosillo: 2.22 million passengers</li>
<li>Mexicali: 1.6 million passengers</li>
<li>Morelia: 1.39 million passengers</li>
<li>La Paz: 1.11 million passengers</li>
<li>Aguascalientes: 929 thousand passengers</li>
<li>Los Mochis: 474 thousand passengers</li>
</ul>
Through other companies, it also participates in the airports of Montego Bay and Kingston in Jamaica, which handled 5.2 and 1.7 million passengers in 2023 respectively.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gap-mexico-red.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-331721" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gap-mexico-red.jpg" alt="" width="1238" height="683" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/gap-mexico-red.jpg 1238w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/gap-mexico-red-300x166.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/gap-mexico-red-768x424.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1238px) 100vw, 1238px" /></a>
In financial terms, in 2023 GAP had revenues of 25.4 billion Mexican pesos (~USD 1.3 billion), with profits of 9.7 billion (~USD 498 million).
During the second quarter of this year, the group recorded a decrease in both passenger traffic (-3.9%) and revenues (-13.2%), mainly related to the grounding of the A320neo fleet affecting Mexican airlines due to Pratt &amp; Whitney engine inspections.
Aena has been considering changes to its global airport portfolio this year with the intention of entering Edinburgh Airport and the AGS group (Aberdeen and Glasgow airports). The international subsidiary also manages 12 airports in Brazil (including Sao Paulo-Congonhas and Recife) and London-Luton Airport and holds a stake in Cali Airport.

Aena Considering Divestiture of its Stake in 12 Mexican Airports

The 46 airports and 2 heliports that make up Aena&#8217;s network in Spain handled 144,151,231 passengers between January and June 2024, marking an 11.4% growth compared to the same period last year.
Air operations totaled 1,223,232 movements, 8.2% more than in 2023, while cargo grew by 19.2%, reaching 604,781 tons.
«These figures are the result of an upward trend since the beginning of the year and much of last year, which has also been maintained in June, a month in which Aena&#8217;s airports in Spain recorded a historic record for passengers, aircraft movements, and cargo transported in a month of June,» highlighted Aena.
In June, the network handled 29.4 million passengers, 11.1% more than during the same month in 2023, while operations grew by 8.9%, reaching 239,462, and freight traffic stood at 102,037 tons (+22.9%).
«Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in June with 5,798,029, representing a 12.9% growth compared to the same month last year,» Aena detailed in a statement.
«Next were Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, with 5,056,923 (+13.3% compared to 2023); Palma de Mallorca, with 4,159,324 (+9.2%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 2,433,242 (+11.6%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 1,772,559 (+17.7%); Ibiza, with 1,233,976 (+3.1%); and Gran Canaria, with 1,105,199 (+11.8%),» they added, detailing that 21 airports broke monthly records: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Valencia, Tenerife Sur, Sevilla, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Bilbao, Menorca, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, Fuerteventura, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, La Palma, Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Melilla, El Hierro, and La Gomera.
Regarding the number of flights, «the airport with the most movements in June was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with a total of 36,337 (+11.4% compared to 2023), followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, with 31,365 flights (+11%); Palma de Mallorca, with 28,483 (+8%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 16,677 (+8%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 10,953 (+15.9%); Ibiza, with 10,803 (+1.9%); and Gran Canaria, with 10,547 landings and takeoffs (+10.2%).»
Finally, in terms of cargo, «the airport with the highest volume of cargo was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with 62,274 tons, 21.2% more compared to June 2023. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which registered 14,766 tons (+17.2%), Zaragoza, with 12,904 tons (+117.9%), and Vitoria, with 5,543 tons (-14.2%),» they concluded.

Aena Airports in Spain Handle Over 144 Million Passengers in First Half of 2024

Belgian justice has authorized the seizure of 32 million euros from the revenues Spain receives for managing its air traffic. These funds, transferred monthly by Eurocontrol to the public company Enaire, will now be allocated to Blasket Renewable Investments, one of the companies affected by the non-payment of renewable energy premiums.
Sources from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge assert that the Kingdom of Spain has not been formally notified of this seizure in Belgium. According to the Spanish newspaper Expansión, the Ministry has stated that Spain will oppose the Belgian judicial decision, arguing that it contravenes European state aid regulations and the non-seizability of the credit rights that Enaire holds against Eurocontrol.
This seizure is a consequence of international arbitrations lost by Spain, which condemn it to compensate the companies affected by the retroactive withdrawal of renewable energy premiums with 1.560 billion euros. British courts have already recognized these debts and authorized the seizure of various Spanish assets and properties, including the headquarters of the Cervantes Institute in London and other properties, Expansión details.
The Belgian justice ruling was issued by the Court of Appeals of Belgium on June 18, authorizing the seizure requested by Blasket Renewable Investments. This judicial decision responds to the request to execute one of the awards obliging Spain to compensate renewable energy companies.
In addition to judicial decisions in Belgium, Switzerland and Germany have also recently ruled against Spain in relation to these non-payments, and proceedings are ongoing in countries such as the United States and Australia. The debt accumulated by Spain with Blasket Renewable Investments includes 4 million euros in additional interest, bringing the total amount to be seized to 32 million euros.

Belgian Court Authorizes Seizure of €32 Million in Spanish Air Traffic Revenues

Aena presented a new incentive program to promote air cargo traffic, aiming to increase routes and frequencies of cargo aircraft. This program will be in effect for three years and will focus on partial refunds of landing fees.
The incentive program will offer refunds on the average landing fee for arrival operations carried out with wide-body aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 191 tons. Considering the period from March 1st to February 28th, 2027, airlines will receive a refund of 75% during the first year, 50% in the second year, and 25% in the third year. Additional operations in the third year will continue to receive incentives for the following two years, provided they meet the established conditions.
This new incentive is part of the Aena Air Cargo Strategic Plan, which aims to improve infrastructures and processes for cargo transportation. «Aena is committed to the continuous improvement of the logistics chain,» stated the company.
Air cargo traffic has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, Aena managed over one million tons of cargo, representing a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. In the first five months of 2024, 502,743 tons were transported, an 18.4% increase compared to the same period last year. «May 2024 was the month with the highest cargo traffic recorded to date, with 108,380 tons transported,» reported the company.
Aena is also progressing with the Airport Cities project, which includes the development of adjacent lands for various activities. In recent months, several parcels have been awarded for projects related to cargo and aircraft maintenance. Among these, a warehouse at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport awarded to Andino Global and <a href="http://aviacionline.com2024/01/ryanair-alquila-el-hangar-mas-grande-del-aeropuerto-de-madrid-barajas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a hangar for Ryanair at the same airport</a> stand out.
At Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, IAS Handling has been awarded a warehouse with a total buildable area of 2,797.20 m² to develop a multifunctional cargo terminal.
Aena considers its airports to offer a strategic position for cargo transportation between Asia and America. «Aena&#8217;s airports are a key logistics platform due to their location,» concluded the company.
This new incentive program, along with the continuous development of infrastructures, aims to support the growth of cargo traffic and improve the competitiveness of airports in Spain.

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