The Spanish Council of Ministers approved on 15 September 2026 the regulatory framework for airports for 2027 to 2031 (DORA III). The plan provides for nearly €13 billion in investment across the entire network of airports operated by Aena . Regulated airport charges are therefore set to rise by an average of 0.33 per cent a year, equivalent to around three cents per passenger per year, according to the government.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, this is the largest investment programme in Spain’s airport infrastructure since the regulatory model was established. Around €9.99 billion of the total is allocated to regulated investment directly linked to airport operations. The main focus is on the major hubs Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, for which around €4.4 billion and €1.765 billion respectively have been earmarked. An expansion is also planned for Barcelona, with its design to be dealt with in subsequent approval and planning procedures.
The state-controlled operator Aena presented an investment plan of around €13 billion through to 2031 at the beginning of the year. According to the government, the fee increases now approved are lower than those originally proposed by Aena. The competition authority CNMC had called in advance for a particularly modest increase. Aena and the relevant authorities are now to agree specific implementation details, such as construction phases, tenders and quality indicators, under the DORA III framework.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente described it as an “investment leap” compared with the current 2022–2026 regulatory period, for which a total of €2.25 billion was allocated. Supporters of the programme point to expected capacity gains, modernised passenger handling, improvements in safety and sustainability, and employment benefits for the regions. Critics are calling for close cost oversight, transparent schedules and binding quality targets to avoid delays and budget overruns.
With the cabinet’s approval, DORA III is now in force as the binding framework for investment and charges regulation from 2027 to 2031. Aena is responsible for operational implementation in coordination with the Ministry of Transport; major projects at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are expected to set the pace for the overall timetable. Forecasts for passenger numbers and traffic trends remain dependent on economic conditions, demand and European climate requirements. The government sees the course now set as a starting point that can be adjusted if market conditions change.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).