Spanish airlines have programmed 145.6 million seats for the winter season, October 2026 to March 2027, which is 5.5% more than last year. The figures come from the Asociación de Líneas Aéreas (ALA), the airline association that represents about 85% of air traffic in Spain, as reported by Periódico de Ibiza.
The programme adds to a positive year. ALA counts 257 million passengers up to September, 4.1% more than in the same period of 2025, pointing to a new record for the year.
The article's headline refers to nearly eight million seats for Ibiza-related traffic this winter, 6% more, but the text we could read gives only the national figures above, so we do not quote an island-level number here.
ALA president Javier Gándara asks that the forecasts be read with caution, citing geopolitical uncertainty, the sharp rise in jet fuel prices and growing environmental costs.
Sustainable aviation fuel
One of the issues raised is the European rule that requires a progressive increase in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reaching 20% in 2035. According to the report, SAF is currently three to eight times more expensive than conventional fuel. ALA considers the 110 million emission allowances reserved to encourage its use insufficient and asks to raise them to 500 million, as well as for state incentives for its production and use. The airlines say their commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 is firm, and describe SAF as able to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 100% without changing fleets.
What it means
For owners and guests, a larger winter programme is good news for off-season visits, viewings and short stays, since more seats generally support more routes and better fares. Ibiza depends on air links more than most destinations, so it is worth following how airlines adjust their schedules.
The caution is about cost: the association says fuel and environmental charges could feed through to fares and to the competitiveness of mature destinations such as Ibiza. This is the airlines' position, and the article does not give route-by-route data for the island. Anyone planning winter travel or owner visits should check airline timetables, which are published by season and can change.
Background
The ALA figures cover the whole of Spain. Winter schedules run from the end of October to the end of March.
Frequently asked questions
How many seats have airlines programmed for winter 2026-27?
ALA reports 145.6 million seats for October 2026 to March 2027, 5.5% more than the previous year.
We follow these changes every day for our owners and clients. Ask us what they mean for your plans: send a request or message us on WhatsApp.
