Spain’s Secretive Airspace Transfer to Morocco Raises Alarming Concerns

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 10th, 2025 — The Spanish government’s discreet handling of negotiations with Morocco concerning the transfer of partial airspace control over Western Sahara has ignited intense scrutiny from parliamentarians and media outlets. Concerns are mounting over the possibility of a covert deal that could disrupt the delicate geopolitical balance in the region.

Despite repeated inquiries from Spanish MPs and senators, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has persistently refused to disclose updated information regarding the ongoing talks. According to the Spanish daily El Independiente, these discussions involve the transfer of air traffic services (ATS) management over Western Sahara from Spain, specifically the Canary Islands, to Morocco.

This controversial issue resurfaced following a written response sent to Senator Javier Armas, who demanded transparency in light of what he described as “highly credible” reports of a secretive agreement. The response, however, failed to clarify the situation, merely redirecting the senator to a December 2024 parliamentary session where Minister Albares had dismissed the claims as a “hoax” fabricated by the opposition People’s Party.

The lack of transparency has fueled suspicions of a secretive agenda, with fears that Madrid may finalize the handover under the pretext that it is merely a technical transfer of air navigation services rather than a sovereignty shift. Senator Armas criticized the government’s evasiveness, emphasizing the public’s right to clarity on a matter with profound diplomatic implications.

Albares has repeatedly insisted on a “clear and transparent roadmap” with Morocco, yet both the Spanish Foreign Ministry and the state-owned air navigation authority ENAIRE have consistently declined to provide details about the negotiations. Notably, the Moncloa Palace acknowledged the existence of such talks as early as March 2023, in a written response to then-Senator Fernando Clavijo, now President of the Canary Islands regional government.

Compounding these concerns, El Independiente revealed that between 15% and 20% of Western Sahara’s airspace, traditionally managed from the Canary Islands, is already under partial Moroccan control. This revelation stands in stark contradiction to UN mandates, which still consider Spain the administrative authority over the non-self-governing territory.

The implications extend far beyond technical airspace management. This maneuver could strain Spain’s already fragile relations with Algeria, a staunch supporter of Western Sahara’s self-determination. Diplomatic ties between Algiers and Madrid have remained tense since Spain’s controversial policy shift in 2022, when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory.

As suspicions grow, opposition leaders and media voices continue to demand accountability, emphasizing that Spain’s legal responsibilities as the de jure administrative power over Western Sahara cannot be quietly compromised through undisclosed negotiations. The need for clarity and adherence to international law remains paramount amid rising tensions in the Western Mediterranean.

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