Spain's competition authority has expanded an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the private aviation sector, with several of the companies involved operating at airports in Ibiza and elsewhere in the Balearic Islands.

The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) announced on October 5 that it had added five executives to the proceedings involving companies that operate and manage fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities serving executive and general aviation.

The investigation concerns possible agreements or coordinated practices involving market sharing, price fixing, other commercial conditions and the exchange of commercially sensitive information. The CNMC is also examining possible agreements between companies not to recruit employees from competitors.

Importantly, the investigation does not establish that a cartel existed or that any of the companies or executives committed an infringement. The CNMC explicitly states that the proceedings do not prejudge the final outcome.

Companies With Links to Ibiza

The case has a significant Balearic connection because several of the companies involved operate at airports across the islands.

According to the CNMC's latest announcement and regional reporting, Aviapartner Spain operates in Ibiza, while General Aviation Service and Sky Valet Spain have operations in both Palma and Ibiza. United Aviation Services has a presence in Ibiza and Menorca. Mallorcair, another company named in the proceedings, is based in Palma.

The investigation therefore covers companies providing services to private and executive aviation operators at airports that handle substantial private aviation activity, particularly during the tourist season.

What Is the CNMC Investigating?

The proceedings concern the market for ground services and facilities used by general and executive aviation, particularly fixed-base operations, commonly known as FBOs.

FBOs provide infrastructure and services for private and business aircraft, separate from the services used by most commercial airline passengers.

The CNMC is examining whether companies may have coordinated in ways that could restrict competition.

The suspected conduct includes possible agreements to divide or allocate markets, coordinate prices or other commercial conditions, exchange sensitive business information and agree not to recruit employees from competing companies.

These remain allegations under investigation and have not been established as violations.

Investigation Began in 2025

The wider case dates back to October 2025.

The CNMC originally opened proceedings against seven companies: Air Taxis Handling, Aviapartner Spain, General Aviation Services, Mallorcair, Sky Valet Spain, United Aviation Services and Universal Aviation Spain.

The investigation originated with information provided to the CNMC by AENA concerning possible anti-competitive practices connected with several tenders for the leasing of FBO facilities.

The competition authority had previously carried out inspections at several company headquarters. Inspections took place at General Aviation Services, Sky Valet Spain, United Aviation Services and Universal Aviation Spain between May 28 and 30, 2024, followed by inspections of Aviapartner Spain and Mallorcair in June 2025.

Five Executives Added to the Proceedings

The latest development is the inclusion of five executives from Aviapartner Spain, General Aviation Services, Sky Valet Spain, United Aviation Services and Universal Aviation Spain.

Their inclusion expands the existing proceedings, which already involve the companies themselves.

The CNMC has not announced a finding of liability against these individuals.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the authority having a maximum period of 24 months from the opening of the original proceedings to adopt a decision.

Why the Case Matters to Ibiza

Ibiza has become an important destination for private aviation, particularly during the island's high season.

The presence of several companies named in the proceedings at Ibiza Airport means the investigation has a direct connection to the island's private aviation infrastructure.

However, there is currently no finding that private aviation services in Ibiza were subject to illegal price fixing or market sharing.

The CNMC is investigating whether such practices occurred across the relevant market, and any conclusions will depend on the evidence gathered during the proceedings.

No Final Finding Has Been Made

The word “cartel” should therefore be used carefully when reporting the case.

The CNMC describes the matter as an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices, while the media may refer to it as a suspected cartel investigation. At this stage, there has been no final decision establishing that a cartel operated or that the companies involved breached competition law.

The investigation will now continue as the CNMC examines the evidence and the role of the companies and executives involved.