Three Major News Stories Shake Spain: Airport Closure, Corruption Indictment, and Air Europa Bailout

Madrid-Barajas Airport to Close Nights to Prevent Homeless Entry Madrid, Spain – In a move to address concerns about security and the well-being of airport staff, AENA, the Spanish airport authority, has announced the nighttime closure of Madrid-Barajas Airport, effective May 21st. This decision aims to prevent homeless individuals from accessing the airport grounds during non-operational hours. Security measures will be increased to enforce the closure. Former ADIF President Indicted in Corruption Case Madrid, Spain – A judge from Spain's National High Court has indicted Isabel Pardo de Vera, former president of ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias), for her alleged role in a corruption case. The investigation, known as 'Trama Collado,' centers on allegations of irregular contracts. The judge cited Pardo de Vera's relationship with the ex-partner of a government minister as a key element in the case. Pardo de Vera has yet to comment publicly on the indictment. Air Europa's Bailout Preceded by Numerous Meetings with Government Officials Madrid, Spain – An investigation by the Guardia Civil has revealed nine meetings between Air Europa executives and government officials, including Jose Luis Abalos and Koldo Garcia, in the months leading up to the airline's bailout. The first meeting occurred 70 days before Air Europa formally requested the bailout, raising questions about potential undue influence. The Guardia Civil's findings suggest a close relationship between the airline and government officials during the bailout negotiations. A spokesperson for Air Europa said the meetings were to discuss the company’s financial difficulties and the bailout was justified by the economic situation and the need to save jobs.