RUSSPAIN
Laura Castillo
26 Mar 2026
Aena’s decision to retain key management control over Basque Country airports has provoked a strong response from PNV and the regional government. The dispute goes beyond symbolic representation: real financial and strategic interests are at stake, potentially reshaping the transport and economic landscape across northern Spain.
The core of the conflict lies in a recent preliminary agreement between Madrid and the Basque Country’s government to create a bilateral body on airport governance. This entity was intended as a forum for joint discussion on investments, infrastructure development, and fare policies at the airports in Bilbao, Vitoria, and San Sebastián. However, Aena, where the state holds a controlling stake, quickly made it clear: there will be no transfer of executive powers, and the new body’s role will remain purely advisory...
