Bill to open up flights to and from the Canary Islands

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would liberalize air traffic with origin or destination at Canary Islands airports. That is its stated purpose.
2. Airlines from countries with air transport agreements with Spain could operate flights from or to the Canary Islands to or from third countries, with full fifth freedom rights, with no limits on routes, frequencies or capacity. Flights within Spain (cabotage) would not be included, and reciprocity would not be required, although airlines must show they comply with the rules applied to international routes with Spain.
3. If the airline is not designated in the agreement with the other country, or if fifth freedom traffic is not covered by it, the Ministry of Public Works would notify that country's authorities and, if needed, start the process to amend the agreement.
4. The bill would give the Canary Islands a role in planning and managing their airports of general interest, together with the Canary Islands Government and, where applicable, the island councils and town councils where they are located. In addition, the Government would have six months to issue implementing rules, and the law would take effect the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette.

Who it affects

• Foreign airlines: Could operate flights with origin or destination in the Canary Islands to or from third countries, with full fifth freedom rights.
• The Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and its island and town councils: Would take part in planning and managing the Canary Islands airports of general interest.
• Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Fomento): Would notify other countries of cases not covered by agreements and process any needed amendments.

Words worth knowing

Quinta libertad (fifth freedom)

The right of an airline to carry passengers or cargo between two countries other than its own, on a flight that starts or ends in its home country.

Cabotaje (cabotage)

Flights connecting points within the same country, in this case within Spain.

Reciprocidad (reciprocity)

Requiring from another country the same that country requires from ours. The bill would not require it.

Aeropuertos de interés general (airports of general interest)

Airports that the State, not a regional government, is in charge of.

Cabildos

The governing institutions of each island in the Canary Islands.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries