Overview
- María Ubarretxena traveled to Madrid to launch negotiations on Basque participation in managing the airports of Bilbao (Loiu), Vitoria‑Gasteiz (Foronda) and San Sebastián (Hondarribia).
- The talks stem from a July bilateral commitment between Pedro Sánchez and Lehendakari Imanol Pradales to study formulas for co‑management, connectivity and competitiveness.
- Aena, 51% state‑owned and 49% privately held, has publicly defended its integrated management model and warned it would act to protect legality and shareholder rights.
- Private investors, led by TCI Fund, filed objections with the CNMV, and Aena has pointed to its €13 billion 2027–2031 modernization plan to argue against governance changes.
- Basque officials describe the issue as a priority for the region and signal optimism about reaching an agreement, with Catalonia maintaining a similar stance on regional participation.