Spain planning to have Gibraltar suspended from EU aviation regulations

(Photo: spanishvida.com)

GIBRALTAR / MADRID Last Wednesday the European Commission announced its proposals to amend its Regulation 261/2004 regarding passenger rights, whereby existing rights would be substantially expanded. Gibraltar would be significantly impacted if the Spanish Government manages to have the removal of the suspension clause - this is one of the few directives that still has such a clause, according to L. Olivera on Panorama, but the proposal does not seek to remove the suspension clause. Should these proposals be approved in Brussels, the new regulations will come into effect in 2014. Gibraltar Government has responded angrily to the proposal because it is in line with the present Spanish Government's intentions of dismantling the Cordoba Agreement, which included the Rock's airport in the measures to be taken on European Civil Aviation, according to one source. The new regulations would include>>>

Iberia and unions reach agreement: strike off

Iberia on the ground
(Photo: planespotters.net)

MADRID Iberia, the airline that belongs to IAG (International Airlines Group) together with British Airways, has reached an agreement with the main unions, who have called of the strike that had been scheduled for Easter, one of the year's busiest times. The proposal to call off the strike came from the mediator in the otherwise bitter negotiations, Gregorio Tudela. So far, the number of redundancies proposed by IAG has been reduced from 3,807 to 3,141. The unions entered the negotiations last year in the belief that Iberia was about to be 'dismantled' by BA, which, in the medium term would not be entirely surprising for an airline that loses close to a million euros a day.

Iberia eliminates early morning Madrid-Jerez flight

7am connection is substituted for a later one · Reactions

JEREZ Just as the refurbished airport at Jerez was coming into bigger through passenger numbers, Iberia decided to cut the most popular of flights between a neglected corner of Andalucía and the nation's capital. The airline said that while it was apopular flightn in the mornings, 'it arrived empty at night, and stayed overnight,' and incurred expensive hotel rooms for the crew. Aurelio Romero, the PP Deputy for the area, said that he did not accept Iberia's excuse and although he and others had done 'everything possible to get the airline to change it's mind, we cannot impose commercial criteria on a private company.' The politician's statement went on to add that <<>>

Is Ryan Air's cost-cutting dangerous?

(Photo:ihateryanair.org)

Six emergency landings to be investigated by Spanish air authority

VALENCIA The Irish low-cost carrier is notorious among the flying public for floating such ideas as standing-room only flights, or having to pay to use the toilet. It is also one of the of the world's top airlines because it offers excellent prices for most of its routes. This is achieved through strict cost-cutting measures, one of which has recently lead to the airline fueling policy. Earlier this week, three of the company's flights had to be diverted from Madrid Barajas to Valencia because of an electric storm. While they were queuing to land, one of them sent out a 'mayday' message that allowed it to be pushed to the front for a priority touch down - the other two flights did the same shortly afterwards. The reason for the emergency was given as that the planes did not have a drop more fuel to make it safely to the ground. A spokesperson for Ryan air>>>explained that only the absolute minimum of fuel required to cover each journey is placed in the tank - not a drop more. In other words, there is no room for emergencies such as those at Valencia.>>>

Monarch announces Gibraltar-Birmingham route

Monarch is to launch three flights a week from Gibraltar to Birmingham. This forms part of the carrier's expansion of routes to its UK Midlands base for summer 2013.The flights will depart from Gibraltar on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.15am and flights from Birmingham to the Rock will depart at 6.35am. The service will start in March 2013, with tickets now on sale. For his part, the Minister for Tourism, Neil Costa, has welcomed the introduction of the service adding that the decision to operate from Birmingham will bring great commercial opportunities.  He states the Government continues to encourage capacity growth and the service from regional airports in the UK.

BA to add two flights to Gibraltar

(Photo: b2bgibraltar.gi)

GIBRALTAR (Agencies) British Airways announced changes to the airlines Winter 2012 schedule, among which is an increase of two London-Heathrow flights . This will increase the number of flights into Gibraltar from seven to nine a week, starting from October 28. The new flights are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. Gibraltar's Minister for Tourism, Neil Costa, said that the Government is delighted with the decision. "We have been in discussions about increasing capacity on this route for some time," he added. Costa is particularly pleased that BA is offering a late departure from London, which will "offer a greater choice for business and tourism trravellers."

easyJet cancels Gib-Liverpool route

GIBRALTAR/UK According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, easyJet has removed its Gib-Liverpool route from its Winter 2012 schedule. The airline's website says that the route is for sale until October 27, so that must be the cut off date. The Chronicle quotes Ali Gayward, easyJet’s Commercial Manager: “easyJet has recently undertaken a review of underperforming routes, and following this review we can confirm that we will not operate flights between Gibraltar and Liverpool during our winter 2012 schedule.” Adding, “However, easyJet remains committed to serving Gibraltar and has recently increased its summer frequency on the London Gatwick route.”

New airline now flies into Gibraltar

Joining British Airways, Monarch and Easyjet, another airline now has regular flights into Gibraltar: bmibaby is its name and it flies into East Midlands Airport in the UK. At present the schedule is on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing from Gibraltar to East Midlands in the evenings, and returning on the same days at about midday - but check for yourself. One interesting thing they say on their website is that all fares are now displayed including taxes and charges. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ITEMS SUCH AS THIS MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUBSCRIPTION IN THE FUTURE but you can make a donation NOW, too! Please click here for more information on how to help us continue.

Pilots to strike every Monday and Friday

Iberia Express begins operations

SPAIN The Iberia Airlines (part of British Airways) pilots belonging to the SEPLA Union -the majority- voted to strike every Monday and Friday beginning on April 9 until July 20, both dates included. The reason is that they have not been able to reach an agreement with the company about its new low-cost airline Iberia Express, among other things. The latter began operations last Sunday, after the Development Ministry-appointed mediator, former minister Manuel Pimentel, announced that the talks had come to an end. The strikes so far, in December, January and February, have meant some €36million in losses, some €3m per day. It is possible, according to sources, that other unions, covering ground services such as baggage handling and cleaning, may join the pilots by striking as well.

Spanair closes down, 20,000 passengers stranded

Catalonia-owned company puts 4,000 jobs in limbo

BARCELONA (Agencies) Spanair, the airline that has survived only thanks to a total infusion of €1 billion from the regional government of Catalonia, went out of business on Friday, leaving 20,000 passengers stranded without warning. No warning was given to the company's 4,000 staff, either. In fact, the company was still selling tickets online on Thursday evening, according to passengers who bought some. The president of Catalonia, Artur Mas, said in response that it had been decided that, given the present financial crisis, the regional government could no longer keep the company going. "It was a good idea from the start, but we have been unable to interest an international investor to come aboard," he said.>>>

Iberia pilots call strike for 18 and 29

Union reps at press conference

SPAIN (Agencies) As we warned here last month, the Iberia pilots union has called a strike for this coming Sunday and the 29th of this month. The airline has announced that it has cancelled some 91 flights on the 18th as a result; if you have a ticket bought through a travel agent, they will deal with it; if you bought it online, you will receive notification from the airline as to how you may be impacted. Flights to Africa are not affected, and on the longer routes (e.g. New York, Miami, Mexico, Buenos Aires) only 17% of the flights are cancelled so far. Subsidiary airlines such as Air Nostrum or Vueling and other shared schedules, will not apparently be affected, and nor will flights to the Canary Islands, which are protected in the 'minimal service' agreements. If the strike is called off, we will tell you right here: watch this space.

'Hot Christmas' for Iberia passengers

SPAIN It looks like the traditional pilots strike at Iberia will not be forgotten this year. Spanish air travellers - and anyone making a connection with Iberia - are probably becoming used to the fact that their Christmas travels will be upset, as they have for the last five years. Travel agents are reporting that the fear of a strike has impacted bookings on the airline, although there are no numbers as yet. In a letter to the company, SEPLA, the union that represents some 1450 of Iberia's pilots, accuses the airline of 'propitiating its break-up' and refuses  arbitration. In fact, the union demands the presence of Willie Walsh, who heads IAG, the parent company of the merger between Iberia and British Airways, 'because he is the person making the decisions since the merger'. 

EasyJet increases Gibraltar-Gatwick flights

(Photo: icenews.is)

GIBRALTAR/UK (Press release) Budget airline carrier Easyjet has increased its number of flights to Gibraltar, reflecting the destination’s growing popularity as both a holiday and second home destination. Scheduled to begin next summer, the airline will now operate 11 flights a week from London Gatwick. The news coincides with the opening of Gibraltar’s iconic new £50 million aircraft terminal which is due to be unveiled on the 3rd of November.  As part of the 2006 Cordoba Agreement (a.k.a. Tripartite Forum), the terminal will have direct access onto Spain allowing more passengers to pass through and will also speed up waiting times. The new base will allow flights to Switzerland, Germany and France without customs or border restrictions, giving residents in these countries a compelling reason to visit and invest.

Low cost? Yeah, right!

(c) Alberto Bullrich 2011

SPAIN The problem is not only in Spain. In fact, you've been caught out by 'extras' at least a couple of times, haven't you? But since this site is about Spain, we concentrate on here. A recent survey came up with the fact that 34% of those who had some beef about airlines and asked for help from a consumer organization, had a problem with Ryanair. Surprise, surprise. Without taking into account last December's air traffic controllers strike, the other two 'problem airlines' were Vueling (24%) and Iberia (19%). According to FACUA, one of several consumer organizations but probably the loudest, the vast majority of airlines operating in Spain commit irregularities (nice word for fraud?) selling tickets. In fact 24 out of 37 airlines scrutinized recently by FACUA -that's seven out of ten- advertise prices that are cheaper than the passenger will eventually pay for. Among the main complaints on 'abuse and fraud' is>>>

Ryanair policy of children's photo ID requirement, illegal in Spain

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair boss (EFE)

SPAIN (Agencies) Spain's National Institute of Consumers, part of the Health Ministry, has advised the public prosecutor's office to take action against Irish budget airline Ryanair for its practice of not allowing minors to fly without photo identification. Under Spanish law, under-14s are permitted to travel providing that their Libro de Familia (Family Record Book - an official document containing details of parents and offspring) is presented. Ryanair, however, refuses to allow passengers to fly if they do not produce either a passport or a national identity card. Etelvina Andreu, director of the National Institute of Consumers, described the company's practice as "completely illegal." Ryanair, however, argues that it "is an Irish company," and that the rules are "in its terms and conditions."

Airline now charges extra for golf bags

SPAIN (Agencies) Air Berlin, the main link between Jerez airport and central Europe, began charging its passengers a €50 surcharge per flight section and person, for transporting their golf clubs. This is twice the price the airline had been charging until now. The charge started in late 2010, when the company found that the vast majority of their golfing passengers heading for the sun from the North of Europe took their own clubs. Now, if the traveller does not pre-reserve his or her golf bag 48 hours before flight time, the airline will charge up to €100 per stage. Yesterday, the measure was  already causing confusion at the airport in Jerez and not a little consternation among the tourist industry in Cádiz. One representative said this was the 'coup de grace' to the low (Winter) season on the Costa de la Luz.

Airlines are concerned about airport delays

(Graph: ABC)

SPAIN (Agencies) The war of attrition that has been going on for some time between air traffic controllers and the airport authority AENA seems to have opened another front. The airlines federation, Asociación de Compañías Españolas de Transporte Aéreo (ACETA) has decided to break its silence on the subject by announcing its 'deepest concern' about the 'significant increase' in the number of delays experienced by its members at Spanish airports, a problem that is impacting directly on the 'quality of service' they can offer, as well as on their costs. AENA, on the other hand, insists that punctuality has improved by 17% since June last year, a figure not shared in the least by the airlines, who quote the latest reports from the European security entity Eurocontrol. These show Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Madrid Barajas heading the list of delays. "There are definitely problems and we have noticed siginificant increase ìn delays+ over the last few weeks," says the association, which includes airlines such as IAG (ex-Iberia), Air Europa, Air Nostrum, Vueling and Binter Canarias, among others.

Ryanair flights to Spain in jeopardy

SPAIN (Agencies) The Consumer rights organization, Facua-Consumidores en Acción, has accused the Irish airline Ryanair of blackmail following revelations that the Chairman of Ryanair sent a letter to Miguel Sebastián, the Minister of Tourism and Commerce, in January threatening to halt his plans for expansion if the ‘disproportionate and discriminatory’ fines given to his company were not reviewed. He also asked for an urgent meeting to discuss the issue. Between 2009 and 2010 Ryanair has committed 65 infractions (none of them involve security). Facua believes that Ryanair is guilty of blackmail because it has threatened to reduce its operations in Spain with the consequent effect this would have on flights, routes and jobs if the fines placed against the company are not withdrawn. In a statement issued by Facua it says that this blackmail is a direct result of the lack of enthusiasm that the government and regional authorities have when it comes to dealing with the 'continuous fraudulent actions' of Ryanair which have resulted in more than €1 million in fines against the company.>

Ryanair links Jerez and Barcelona

JEREZ (Agencies) Ryanair announced earlier this week that it is opening a route between Barcelona and Jerez from June 1. Flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with times to be published soon but a route opening one for €7 one way (plus taxes, etc.). The idea is to compete with the Spanish airline Vueling, which has daily flights on the same route. After recent refurbishment, the airport at Jerez (photo) is seeking business, and promises to become the main airport for the province of Cadiz and second only to Sevilla for Western Andalucia.

easyJet offers ‘Ticket to Ride’ to celebrate Liverpool launch

GIBRALTAR (GibChronicle) Famed as the location of the real John and Yoko’s wedding more than 40 years ago, Gibraltar has strong links with Liverpool thanks to its Beatles connection that was immortalised in the lyrics of ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’ in 1969. So it was not all that surprising that Lennon and Ono look-a-likes Alan James and Veninia Johnson were at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport (what else?) to launch the airline’s first flight from Liverpool to Gibraltar. The new route will provide Gibraltar travellers with a three-times-weekly service to Liverpool for as little as £27.99 (one-way, including taxes).>