Catalan Minister hits out at AENA

 

The Catalan Minister of Planning and Sustainability, Lluís Recoder, has criticized AENA over recent actions taken by Ryanair in ceasing operations at Reus airport, and cutting flights by 50% at Girona over the Winter period, commenting that "The problem with Ryanair leaving Girona and Reus and going to El Prat is the charges, and that AENA's fault."

In an interview on Catalonian Rac-1 radio, the Minister said how "it is very difficult to reach an agreement with them [Ryanair]. They have signed agreements with the Government which they have not fulfilled in Lleida, Reus and Girona... Negotiations with Ryanair are like a poker game. We were told to stick with our prices in Reus, and that Ryanair would have to pay". The Minister went on to say how Lleida, Reus and Girona airports must put dealing with the low-cost flights on equal footing with the charter flights.

Recoder also also criticized AENA for not applying rates equally, with Catalonia not receiving discounted rates, yet they apply to airports on the Canary Islands.

The Minister also commented how AENA has shown no commitment to resolving the problems that the Region's airports are facing and the overall effect that it will have on the economy.