AGP Executive Report

Public Mobility Upgrade: Cartagena has launched a municipal electric bike hire service with 120 bikes in the city centre, set to grow to 300, with 70 more bikes and 20 parking points added in La Manga and Cabo de Palos from July 1, as part of the CartaGO! mobility plan. Aviation Demand Watch: Europe’s airports saw their first passenger decline since the post-Covid recovery, with April traffic down 0.7% year-on-year; Spain (+3.7%) and Italy (+2.2%) were among the few gainers, while major hubs like Germany (-8.5%) and the UK (-2.1%) slipped, and concerns were raised around the EU Entry Exit System (EES). Maritime Health & Preparedness: A hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has renewed calls for treatments and vaccines, with researchers pointing to new leads on potential drug options even as the ship was cleared to sail again after disinfection. Green Hydrogen Governance: Navantia Seanergies director Javier Herrador was elected president of Spain’s SHYNE renewable hydrogen consortium, signaling a push to scale green hydrogen production for mobility uses. Port Expansion (Global, Spain-linked): Chile’s Port of San Antonio expansion—approved after six years—has Spanish consortium Dragados Sacyr among bidders, aiming to triple cargo capacity by adding a breakwater and new terminals. Fuel Costs Signal: Diesel prices in Spain fell 2.2% this week to the lowest level since early March, while petrol also eased.

ITV Rules Update: Spain’s DGT says camperized vans homologated as motorhomes (category N) over 10 years old must now pass ITV every six months, tightening checks for “van life” conversions and raising costs for older vehicles. Aviation & Airports: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% in April 2026 year-on-year, with Spain still growing (+3.7%) while Germany (-8.5%) dragged on industrial action. Tourism Shock in Cuba: Spanish hotel group Meliá will withdraw management of 15 of its 34 Cuba hotels as US sanctions bite; Visa/Mastercard services are also set to pause from June 6. Logistics & Industry: Navantia is installing a new cutting line in Methil as Spain’s shipbuilding supply chain keeps investing. Road Safety/Tech: A study finds British drivers like driver-assistance tech but remain wary of fully autonomous cars, with only 13% comfortable with self-driving.

Canary Islands Airport Co-Management: Spain’s Territorial Policy minister Ángel Víctor Torres says talks are under way on possible co-management of Canary airports, but insists any deal must stay within Spain’s Constitution and the islands’ autonomy statutes. Aviation Disruption Watch: Portugal’s second general strike in six months is hitting transport hard—CP rail suspends long-distance and most regional services, Lisbon metro shuts, schools close, and hospitals postpone care; TAP says it will run only 79 of 300+ daily flights while Iberia expects 50%-75% reductions. Tech & Telecom for Mobility: Telefónica is buying back rural backhaul capacity (LineoX) to strengthen Spain’s network infrastructure, while XPeng survey data shows Spain is more open to self-driving cars than much of Europe. Cruise Market Shift: Spanish start-up Corazul Croceros delays its Mediterranean launch and will start in Brazil for 2026/27, cancelling Mediterranean sailings from July 2026 onward. Airport Fees & Regulation: Spain’s aviation regulator CNMC is pushing for lower airport fees in its review of Aena’s plan.

Airport Regulation Fight: Spain’s CNMC has recommended cutting airport charges by 0.59% per year from 2027-2031 under DORA III, taking a middle line between Aena’s proposed 3.8% rises and airlines’ push for bigger reductions. Rural Telecom Backhaul: Telefónica will buy back LineoX, a rural microwave backhaul network it sold to Asterion in 2020, restoring control of links that carry mobile traffic where fibre is costly. Port Decarbonisation: Biscay Eco Aggregates’ accelerated carbonation plant at the Port of Bilbao is moving toward full-scale CO2-to-aggregate use, aiming to process industrial residues and produce construction aggregates while cutting cement-linked emissions. Maritime/Health Update: The MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak response continues, with some US passengers returning home after monitoring while others remain under observation; the ship is set to resume operations later in June after extended cleaning. Urban Mobility Tech: WeRide, Uber and Avomo plan Madrid’s first commercial robotaxi pilot before year-end, with a gradual rollout and safety operators initially. Aviation/Defence: Airbus says Spain’s first HALCON I Eurofighter batch aircraft will start deliveries this year, supporting the Canary Islands F/A-18 replacement plan.

Autonomous Mobility in Madrid: WeRide and Uber plan Spain’s first commercial robotaxi pilot in the Madrid region, with rides via the Uber app later this year and a gradual scale-up supported by AVOMO. EV Manufacturing Push: China’s SAIC is moving ahead with its first EU car plant in Galicia (Ferrol), targeting construction next year and operations in 2028, with about 1,000 direct jobs and an added logistics hub. Intermodal Rail Link: AsstrA is launching a new intermodal train project connecting northeastern Spain (Barcelona, Tarragona) with western Poland (Poznań), aiming for 9–10 days door-to-door for sites within 300 km of terminals. Border Tech Disruption (EES): Spain and other EU airports are bracing for summer delays as the Entry/Exit System (EES) triggers long queues and missed flights, with guidance urging travelers to arrive earlier. Air Operations Update: Aer Lingus launched a new Cork–Santiago de Compostela route, adding a direct link to Galicia’s capital during the summer season. Telecom Congestion Pricing: Movistar Spain introduced a paid “Fast Pass” priority data service to keep mobile connections faster during major events.

Aviation Disruption: SITA is buying Spanish AI disruption software firm Big Blue Analytics, aiming to strengthen flight disruption management across airlines. Air Safety & Security: Multiple United Airlines flights to Spain/Mallorca were forced to turn back to Newark after passengers’ Bluetooth devices were named “Bomb,” triggering aircraft sweeps and rescreening. Port & Shipping Health: The cruise ship Hondius has been cleared to return to service after a hantavirus outbreak, following deep cleaning and disinfection. Manufacturing & Jobs: China’s SAIC plans its first EU car plant in Spain’s Galicia (Ferrol port), with an estimated €200m investment and a target start for 2028, pending approvals. Logistics & Infrastructure: Spain’s EU Commission cleared a €500m state aid scheme to offset higher fertiliser prices, a move with knock-on effects for supply chains and farm logistics. Road Transport Policy: Catalonia is speeding up talks on a ban on speculative home purchases, while separate local rules in Spain continue to tighten enforcement around mobility and access.

Aviation Disruption: A United Airlines flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca (Spain) turned back midair after a teenager’s Bluetooth device was detected with a threatening four-letter name, triggering security checks and an evacuation before passengers were rescreened and reboarded on a replacement aircraft. Border & Travel Controls: Greece has backtracked on claims that British holidaymakers would be exempt from the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks during peak summer, keeping pressure on airport processing for Spain-bound travellers. Logistics & Iberian Connectivity: The mayor of Badajoz urged deeper Spain–Portugal coordination, citing cross-border projects like the Southwest European Logistics Platform and the Madrid–Lisbon high-speed rail as building blocks for an “Iberian Benelux.” Maritime Security: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with Macron citing enforcement against Russia’s shadow fleet. Public Health & Compliance: Spain’s Guardia Civil arrested nine and seized 10,000 doses of Botox in raids on illegal cosmetic clinics, including in Gran Canaria, after suspicious shipments were found at Foronda Airport. Space & Industry: PLD Space announced a €35m investment to expand its Kourou launch complex for MIURA 5, reinforcing Europe’s commercial launch capacity. Rail/Ports Watch: Motril Port is preparing for a major strait-crossing operation in summer 2026.

Aviation Disruption: A United Airlines flight from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, turned back midair after a Bluetooth device was reportedly named “BOMB,” triggering a security alert. The Boeing 767 with 190 passengers and 12 crew returned to Newark, passengers evacuated and were rescreened by TSA and U.S. Customs before boarding a replacement aircraft. Port & Border Logistics: Motril Port is gearing up for a busier summer 2026 Operación Paso del Estrecho, running June 15–Sept 15, after 2025 volumes rose to 127,208 passengers and 32,768 vehicles (+17% and +14.7%). Public Health Enforcement: Spain’s Guardia Civil arrested nine and seized 10,000+ doses of illegal botulinum toxin in raids on clandestine cosmetic clinics, after detecting suspicious shipments entering via Foronda Airport without required authorisations. Rail & Mobility: Renfe is pushing cheaper summer rail travel, with reports of ultra-low fares starting around €7 as the rail price battle intensifies.

Border & Airport Operations: Spain is facing mounting pressure as EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks spark long queues and delays; Greece, Portugal and Italy have already moved toward partial suspensions or operational flexibilities, while Spain has made only limited changes despite industry warnings of waits reaching up to four hours in peak summer. Maritime Health & Cruise Logistics: The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, has been cleared to sail again after cleaning and disinfection in Rotterdam, with WHO reporting 13 confirmed cases tied to the incident; meanwhile, MSC Opera continues interporting season in Portugal with calls including Spain ports such as Alicante, Málaga and Cádiz. Port & Fleet Movements: Viking’s new ship Viking Mira is set to begin its maiden Mediterranean season from Civitavecchia to Barcelona, then reposition to northern Europe with stops including Valencia, Málaga and A Coruña. Road & Driver Enforcement: Spain’s DGT is rolling out roadside fuel checks that can lead to fines up to €6,000, adding to enforcement pressure on drivers. Public Safety & Events: Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios big top has been erected in Málaga for a June 4–July 5 run, with logistics involving heavy transport and large local staffing.

Aviation & Border Control: EU Entry Exit System (EES) is triggering fresh airport queues for non-EU travellers, with Wizz Air urging passengers to arrive at least three hours early for flights to the UK, citing hotspots including Spain, Portugal and France. Road Policing & Fraud: In Gran Canaria, a minor crash escalated into a Guardia Civil probe into stolen cars, cloned number plates and identity misuse, after investigators linked suspicious plates to a Valencia resident. Public Transport & Safety Tech: Valencia is tightening rules for taxis and VTCs, with fines reported up to €6,000, as enforcement ramps up. Energy & Logistics: Spain’s push for a faster green transition continues, with a €9bn plan aimed at reshaping the energy system—an effort with knock-on effects for transport fuels and supply chains. Maritime/Ports: Cartagena Port is reported to be gaining ground despite global uncertainty, signalling resilience in regional logistics.

Road Safety & Enforcement: Spain’s DGT will refund 25,840 drivers after faulty speed camera settings on the Mediterranean Highway between San Roque and Algeciras fined motorists for speeds that didn’t match road signage. Fuel Prices: Diesel in Spain edges up to €1.685/l and petrol rises to €1.568/l, with the cost of a full tank still below 2022 crisis highs but higher than last year. Port & Logistics: The Port of Cartagena keeps momentum despite global uncertainty, reporting 4.5% more cargo in the first four months of 2026 and growth in both liquid and dry bulk. Urban Transport & Security: Spanish police dismantled a Malaga Cercanías train theft gang targeting tourists by watching PIN entries at ticket machines and then withdrawing cash. Mobility & Policy: Euro zone inflation stays above the ECB’s 2% target for a third month, with Spain holding at 3.2% in May—relevant for transport costs and consumer pressure.

Labour & Pay Gap: Spain’s INE data shows foreign workers in Murcia earn about €8,500 less per year than Spanish employees, with migrant pay averaging €18,556 vs €27,004, and a wider gap than the national average. Local Transport & Tourism Infrastructure: Águilas has installed new awnings along the “12.000 Pasos Tres Bahías” Blue Trail to give walkers shade during peak summer heat, with a €62,833 budget. Political Risk for Transport Governance: Reuters reports Spain’s ruling PSOE is facing multiple graft and influence-peddling court cases tied to figures around PM Pedro Sánchez, including a face-masks procurement case involving former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos. Aviation/Logistics Finance: Serbia plans to buy 30 new electric trains worth €310.44m via a loan backed by Spain’s CESCE, with Spanish railmaker CAF as contractor. Maritime & Energy Tech: Spain launched a 500 kW floating offshore PV platform in Vigo under the Renovar project, aiming for a 1 MW system for open-water maritime power. EU Health Supply Chain: The European Commission says France, Spain and the Netherlands received Favipiravir tablets for hantavirus response via EU-Japan cooperation, with emergency procurement planned if more doses are needed.

EU Agriculture Aid: The European Commission has approved Spain’s €500m scheme to help farms absorb higher fertilizer costs linked to the Middle East crisis, covering up to 70% of extra input expenses until Dec 31, 2026. Energy & Grid Buildout: A surge in European renewables is outpacing grid and storage capacity, with transmission and distribution investment projected to reach US$1.3tn by 2040, driving more deals in batteries and grid projects. Road Safety (Canaries): An electric scooter was filmed hitting around 100km/h on Lanzarote’s LZ-20, reigniting debate over enforcement and limits for high-powered personal mobility vehicles. Aviation Connectivity: Etihad will add a sixth daily Tel Aviv–Abu Dhabi flight in mid-June, boosting the route to 42 weekly flights amid strong passenger demand. Transport Policy (Spain/Logistics): Spain’s defence industry and energy-security concerns are rising in a public survey, with many Spaniards prioritising energy dependence reduction over purely military threats. Maritime Health: The hantavirus situation tied to the MV Hondius continues to evolve, with EU member states reportedly receiving an experimental favipiravir supply for case-by-case use.

Public Transport Upgrade (Costa Blanca): The Valencian government is launching the CE-710 bus corridor from June 1, adding 14 routes, 22 vehicles and 43,000+ journeys a year to link Orihuela, Torrevieja, Guardamar, Alicante and Elche, with €3.75m annual investment aimed at better timetables and connections. Rail & City Mobility (Malaga): Malaga’s city council is preparing a protest over what it calls unfair treatment in rail funding, renewing pressure for a long-promised Malaga–Marbella connection. Airport Connectivity (Costa del Sol): Jerez Airport is strengthening UK links as airline changes reshape southern Spain’s routes. Logistics & Travel Tech (Rail): Navan expands its European rail offering by integrating Swedish carriers (including SJ and VR), improving booking access for domestic and cross-border routes. Aviation/Defense (Airlift): Airbus C295 deliveries continue to expand for Royal Thai Navy and Air Force transport and maritime surveillance missions. Security/Enforcement (Maritime & Borders): Spanish police, with Europol, dismantled a Cuban migrant smuggling network into Spain, arresting eight across Malaga and Zamora. Health & Travel Risk (Cruise): Hantavirus-related quarantine measures continue to tighten around the MV Hondius outbreak, with new cases reported among people linked to the voyage.

Spanish Rail Pricing: Renfe has launched new 7-euro summer fares, intensifying Spain’s rail price battle and pushing more travelers toward train travel. Road Works & Local Mobility: A €1.2m road project has finally started in Orihuela Costa, while Malaga’s low-emission zone continues to cut traffic and the city prepares further transport changes tied to works. Aviation & Airports: Enaire is rolling out a digitalised air traffic control system, and Universal Aviation Madrid earns IS-BAH Stage II accreditation ahead of a busy Mediterranean peak season. Maritime Health Watch: Spain is reporting a new hantavirus case linked to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak; WHO says total cases have risen to 13, with the situation stable and quarantined passengers under monitoring. Security & Governance: Police raided Spain’s ruling Socialist Party HQ in Madrid as part of a corruption probe, with investigations also touching alleged interference in judicial processes. EU–China Trade: The EU and China are edging toward a trade war as the EU prepares its “Made in Europe” push aimed at curbing Chinese imports.

Hantavirus Update: WHO says the MV Hondius outbreak has risen to 13 cases after Spain reported another quarantined passenger tested positive; three have died, and the situation is described as stable as remaining passengers, crew and medical staff have already disembarked and are in quarantine. Aviation & Air Traffic: Enaire is rolling out a digitalised air traffic control system upgrade (SACTA iTEC 4.02) aimed at boosting safety and capacity. Energy Transition: Spain unveiled a €9bn green energy plan and PSOE is pushing a Senate conference to spotlight how EU funds are driving projects like green hydrogen, batteries and sustainable aviation fuels. Digital Economy: A new Adigital report puts Spain’s digital economy at 27% of GDP, up sharply since 2019. Heat Risk: Record-breaking May heat across Europe is continuing to trigger warnings and health concerns, including in Spain.