AENA unveils airline tenants at new Madrid terminal

John Gallagher

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The Spanish airport authority has reversed its former decision and will now grant the Oneworld Alliance occupancy at the facility when it opens

Spanish airport authority AENA has reversed a previous decision about Madrid Barajas airport's terminal four and revealed that Iberia and fellow Oneworld Alliance members will operate fro the new facility and its satellite. Industry observers have indicated that Spanair, which was originally set to occupy the terminal with other members of the Star Alliance, is likely to protest the decision, which could delay the opening of the new buildings.

Spanair and its alliance members will now occupy T1 while Air Europa and Sky Team will occupy T2 and T3. Airlines who do not form part of any alliance will use areas in T2 and T4. According to AENA, the new distribution will allow airlines to grow without restriction and should encourage competition between airlines while optimising the use of infrastructure without further short-term investment.

Iberia and Air Europa both declared their satisfaction at the outcome of the new distribution whereas a spokesman for Spanair reserved comment until they had been officially informed of the decision.

In November 2003, AENA awarded the concession for the majority of the retail space in the new terminal and its satellite to Spanish multinational Aldeasa. Aldeasa are committed to a Eu20m ($25.3m) investment to fit out the new shops.