In an effort to enhance air travel options to Granada, the Diputación de Granada is set to launch a new strategy aimed at increasing the number of flight routes available at the airport.

The provincial institution plans to put out to tender to run promotional campaigns with airlines that currently operate flights to Granada Airport, focusing particularly on those willing to expand their connections to the region.

The proposal will outline which airlines are deemed ‘most beneficial for the province’ based on the number of flights they can provide. The framework for the competition will ensure that new air connections are secured. Details on whether the bidding will be done in lots or through a single deal with one airline are still pending.

This initiative is designed to attract flights without providing direct subsidies. “I have always said that direct aid is not an efficient system,” stated Francis Rodríguez, the president of the Diputación. He likened this promotional approach to campaigns conducted at international tourism fairs such as Fitur and various destinations in China, emphasizing that this funding will be targeted towards airlines.

A budget of 800,000 euros has been allocated for this campaign, already included in the 2025 budget. Sr. Rodríguez presented the budget last week, which is expected to be approved before the end of the year.

He also added that this promotional initiative will impact the increase in both the number of flight lines and the frequency of flights currently operating from Granada. “This is a way to ensure new aircraft are brought in,” he said.

Currently, the Granada airport serves nine domestic routes – including Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Asturias, Bilbao, Santander, and Melilla – as well as two international flights to Paris and Amsterdam, which launched on September 30th. A seasonal flight to London operated by Vueling had an impressive summer occupancy rate of nearly 90% and is expected to return next year, along with potential new routes to Germany, Italy, and Portugal.

Sr. Rodríguez envisions a connection with Porto, suggesting that the Sierra Nevada could become the go-to ski destination for Portuguese visitors. There is also hope for better connectivity to ‘overlooked’ regions within Spain, such as Galicia and Valencia. “We need more national connections, particularly to these two points where we currently do not have flights,” he remarked.

The president of the Diputación highlighted the organization’s commitment to tourism, revealing that the provincial tourism budget has increased from 2.7 million euros to 4.5 million euros this year. The additional funding will be directed toward promoting the province, including trips to destinations like China, Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

This new promotional strategy for the airlines is already being implemented successfully in other regions, such as Asturias. Sr. Rodríguez is optimistic that it will raise Granada’s profile among airline customers and incentivise airlines to increase their flights to the province with this financial backing.

(News: Airport, Vega, Granada, Andalucia)

Keywords: Flights, Barcelona, Madrid, Palma De Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Asturias, Bilbao, Santander, Melilla, Paris, Amsterdam, London, China, National, International