The Spanish Popular Party is taking a firm stance against any potential transfer of the management of the Sahara airspace to Morocco. A proposal addressing this matter is set to be examined in the Canary Islands Parliament on Tuesday, October 13. The conservative party expresses grave concerns regarding the implications this transfer could have on security, tourism, and air traffic connections within the archipelago.
The control of Sahara's airspace has reignited political tensions in Spain. David Morales, a member of the Popular Party representing the Canary Islands, is urging Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government to ensure that the management of this airspace remains firmly in Spanish hands. Morales is particularly keen to understand the details of the discussions taking place with Rabat and any concessions that Madrid might be considering.
"The Canaries cannot remain on the sidelines," warns Morales, as reported by La Laguna Ahora. He believes that any alteration in the management of the airspace could adversely affect connections with Europe, compromise aviation security, jeopardize Spanish military interests, and hinder rescue operations along the Atlantic migration route. Furthermore, he argues that a transfer of control to Morocco could leave the Canary Islands "completely disconnected from the European airspace."
Vote Expected on October 13 in the Canary Islands
The Popular Party officially registered a proposal in the Canary Islands Parliament on September 25, which was published on October 6. This proposal is slated for discussion during the parliamentary session on October 13. The proposal calls for the continued management of air traffic by the Spanish agency ENAIRE from the Canary Islands' control center. It also demands that Madrid keeps the island authorities informed about any negotiations with Rabat and submits any alterations to parliamentary debate, in line with international procedures.
This initiative is part of a long-standing issue. In April 2022, Morocco and Spain agreed to start discussions regarding airspace management. Two years later, Madrid confirmed that two meetings had taken place with Moroccan authorities, emphasizing that the discussions were centered on technical cooperation and security rather than on a transfer of control.
Currently, air traffic over the Sahara is still overseen by the flight information region managed from the Canary Islands. The Popular Party is now insisting that any potential changes to this arrangement be discussed with the elected representatives of the archipelago. No decision regarding a transfer of management to Morocco has been announced as of yet.
As reported by bladi.net.
