Jamie Clarke

On July 29, 2024, Iberia has inaugurated a new service between Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) to Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU).

This article will cover the details surrounding Iberia’s new services to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.

Iberia – Madrid to Ljubljana

Back in 2021, across Iberia’s social media platforms, they launched a survey. This survey was asking the airlines followers which destination they wanted Iberia Group to fly to during that summer. The decision ended up being Ljubljana, and now, three years on, this is a reality.

This new service is operated by Air Nostrum using its Bombardier CRJ-1000 aircraft. Which have a seating capacity of 100 seats, to which Air Nostrum operates 27 of the type.

Iberia’s new service is operated on a twice weekly basis on Mondays and Thursdays.

• IB8666 on Mondays departs Madrid at 12:10 p.m. and arrives into Ljubljana at 14:50 p.m.
• IB8666 on Thursdays departs Madrid at 08:40 a.m. and arrives into Ljubljana at 11:20 a.m.
• IB8667 on Mondays departs Ljubljana at 15:30 p.m. and arrives back into Madrid at 18:05 p.m.
• IB8667 on Thursdays departs Ljubljana at 12:00 p.m. and arrives back into Madrid at 14:35 p.m.

The inaugural flight had a full capacity of 100 passengers on-board. It departed at 12:10 p.m. and arrived into Ljubljana at 14:40 p.m. The aircraft received a water salute at the airport following its arrival and was greeted by Robert Latin, act. Director General of the Directorate for Air and Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Slovenia. As well as Janez Lapajne, Sales and Marketing Manager at Fraport Slovenija.

Senior Comments

Firstly, Carmen Giraud, Iberia’s Director of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Asia, says. “We are delighted with the inauguration of direct flights between Madrid and Ljubljana.”

“This new route strengthens the ties between Spain and Slovenia, as it offers passengers departing from Madrid the chance to discover the wonders of Ljubljana and its surroundings, and those departing from Slovenia not only the opportunity to visit Madrid, but also to connect with the other 141 destinations in Iberia’s route network.”

Lastly, Sales and Marketing Manager at Fraport Slovenija, Janez Lapajne, says. “At Ljubljana Airport, we are happy to welcome Iberia and the new route to Madrid, with which we are importantly strengthening the network of our air connections and expanding the connectivity of the airport.”

“As a new destination, Madrid offers a visit to the attractive Spanish capital, and the Madrid Airport, with its strong network of connections, is an excellent starting point, especially for trips to Latin America.”

“The connection is certainly also interesting for Spanish guests, who can visit Slovenia with a direct flight and get to know its beauties. Lively Ljubljana, magical Bled with an island or the mysterious Postojna Cave are just a few popular points of Slovenia, which is otherwise famous as a boutique, green and diverse destination.”

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In the past week, European carrier, Ryanair, has challenged Athens Airport (ATH) in Greece, over unjustified tax increases.

This article will cover the details surrounding Ryanair’s challenge on the tax increases and their reasoning behind the challenge.

Ryanair’s Challenge Against Athens

On July 26, 2024, low-cost carrier, Ryanair, has confirmed its challenge against the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) regarding Athens Airport (ATH).  

The Greek Government has made the decision to reduce aviation taxes by 75%. This reduction in taxes will mean that the fee per passenger will reduce from €12 to €3. This is set to come into effect from November 2024. 

Greece’s decision to reduce these taxes is a bid to help grow off-peak connectivity and tourism to Greece. 

The issue lies with Athens Airport and Fraport Greece, whereby they have no plans to adopt these reductions, and instead actually increase their charges. Ultimately, in a bid to combat the Government’s decision of keeping the taxes for themselves.

From Athens, Ryanair currently serves the following countries –

• Albania
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Greece (Other domestic airports)
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

Senior Comments

Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, has commented on their challenge, saying. “Athens Airport and Fraport Greece’s shameless attempt to pocket the aviation tax cut by the Greek State from November 2024, is outrageous, and runs counter to government policy to support growth and tourism.”

“The Greek State took the sensible decision to reduce access costs across all Greek airports from November 2024, positioning Greece to move away from chronic seasonality and position itself for year-round connectivity.”

“Governments across Europe (e.g., Hungary, Sweden, and Italy) are scrapping or reducing their aviation taxes as they realise they need to reduce costs given the constraints within European short-haul capacity.”

“It is unjust for the German monopolies, Athens Airport and Fraport Greece, to be allowed to divert the benefit of Greek tax cuts away from Greek passengers back to their German head offices.”

“Ryanair calls on the Greek Government and the Greek Regulator (HCAA) to protect passengers and local economies by ensuring Athens Airport and Fraport Greece respect the decision of the Greek Government to reduce access costs and pass through the full tax cut to Greek citizens / visitors from November 2024.”

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