Lorraine Williamson
From January 2026, airlines flying to Spanish airports will face a new average charge of €11.03 per passenger—68 cents more than this year. The increase, approved for Aena, covers the use of runways, terminals and passenger services.
Although the adjustment will ripple into ticket prices, Spain’s fees still rank among the lowest in Europe.
Madrid and Barcelona remain competitive
Travellers using Spain’s busiest hubs will see relatively modest costs compared with rival airports. Madrid-Barajas will charge €13.39 for European flights and €18.96 for long-haul routes. Barcelona-El Prat will set fees at €12.47 for European journeys and €15.26 for international departures, with transfer passengers paying about 40% less.
Rivals across Europe charge far more
Spain’s affordability stands out when set against Europe’s major hubs. Germany’s Frankfurt and Munich demand between €23.50 and €24.85 per passenger, while Amsterdam Schiphol is heading for a steep €31.26 in 2026. Rome Fiumicino charges €17.52 for EU flights and €24.89 for long-haul trips, Lisbon up to €27.47, and even Paris—one of the cheapest among the big players—adds VAT to its €11 base fare.
Regional airports feel the squeeze
Despite their low rates of just €2.22 to €7.11 per passenger, smaller Spanish airports are already feeling the impact. Ryanair plans to cut winter capacity at Santiago, Jerez and Valladolid, arguing that even a slight rise erodes margins on budget routes.
Travellers unlikely to be deterred
With fuel prices and market competition playing a larger role in airfares than airport fees, the increase is unlikely to dent Spain’s appeal. Aena says the adjustment will fund sustainability projects and infrastructure upgrades, keeping Spanish airports both modern and cost-effective compared with the rest of Europe.
Source: El País