Airports Authority says Spain landing fees are “the most competitive in EU”

The Spanish Airports Authority (AENA) has been defending its corner against critics of recent rises in airport landing fees.
AENA President José Manuel Vargas, said yesterday that even though the fees are due to go up again by around 7.5 percent in 2013, the taxes continue to be “the most competitive in Europe” and “cheaper than the European Union average.” Vargas also pointed out that the next hike is not being undertaken “out of whim” but rather “according to the strict letter of the law.” Vargas was speaking yesterday at a Public Works Committee in Congress which was meeting to discuss the State budget for 2013. He said that the financial situation of the Airports Authority had become unsustainable in recent years because heavy investment had been made in airport infrastructure without sufficient taxes having been made available to pay for them.