New PBN routes in Santiago de Compostela: what changes for ENAIRE and the aviation sector in 2026

Key data

The air navigation system at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro airport has received environmental approval for its modernization. The General Directorate of Quality and Environmental Assessment has issued a favorable environmental impact report for the project promoted by ENAIRE, which adapts instrumental flight procedures to the performance-based navigation standard (PBN), specifically to RNAV and RNP technologies.

This transition is not voluntary: EU Regulation 2018/1048 requires all member states to implement PBN navigation at their airports. Failure to do so would result in operational obsolescence of the Spanish air navigation system and non-compliance with European regulations.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution approves the environmental impact report for the project of new instrumental maneuvers for Santiago-Rosalía de Castro airport. In practical terms, what changes are the arrival, departure and approach procedures of aircraft, which transition from conventional systems to PBN navigation (Performance Based Navigation).

The key points established by the regulation are:

• Adaptation of instrumental procedures to RNAV (Area Navigation) and RNP (Required Navigation Performance) technologies, required by EU Regulation 2018/1048.
• The design of the new routes avoids overflying large population centers, including the city of Santiago de Compostela.
• The new trajectories are shorter, which reduces aircraft emissions.
• No increase in airport capacity or construction of new physical infrastructure is contemplated.
• More than 40 organizations were consulted during the environmental assessment process. None identified significant impacts or required an ordinary environmental assessment (more complex and prolonged).

The result is that the resolution concludes with a favorable report, which clears the way for ENAIRE to implement the new procedures without the need for additional environmental procedures.

Economic and operational impact

Although this resolution does not set direct economic rates or amounts, its operational consequences are relevant for industry stakeholders:

• Emission reduction: The shorter trajectories resulting from PBN design imply lower fuel consumption per operation, with corresponding savings for airlines operating in Santiago.
• European mandatory requirement: EU Regulation 2018/1048 admits no exceptions. Failure to adapt to the PBN standard would result in Spain's non-compliance with EU regulations, with risks of infringement proceedings.
• No infrastructure cost: Since it requires no physical works, the economic impact is concentrated on procedure reprogramming and updating ground navigation systems, managed by ENAIRE.
• Surrounding municipalities: The decision to design routes avoiding overflying Santiago de Compostela reduces acoustic and environmental exposure of urban centers near the airport.

Who does it affect?

• ENAIRE: As the project promoter, it is the main responsible party for implementing the new PBN procedures. The favorable report allows it to proceed without environmental obstacles.
• AESA (State Aviation Safety Agency): Must validate and certify the new instrumental procedures before their operational implementation.
• Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport: The airport and its operational manager must coordinate the transition with ENAIRE and user airlines.
• Airlines operating in Santiago: Must update their on-board navigation systems and train their crews in the new RNAV/RNP procedures.
• Surrounding municipalities affected by air routes: City councils and residents of municipalities overflown by current routes may see flight paths modified, with impact on local noise and air quality.

Practical example

Imagine a low-cost airline that operates daily between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela. With current (conventional) procedures, the approach to the airport follows a longer and less precise trajectory, which may involve overflying urban areas and greater fuel consumption during the descent phase.

With the new PBN procedures (RNAV/RNP) approved by this environmental report:

• The aircraft follows a shorter and more precise trajectory, designed to avoid overflying Santiago de Compostela.
• The shorter route during the approach phase reduces fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions per operation.
• The airline must ensure that its aircraft have certified RNAV/RNP systems and that its pilots have completed specific training to operate under these procedures.

This change is not optional: EU Regulation 2018/1048 requires that all flights in European airspace operate under PBN standards.

What should companies do now?

1. ENAIRE: Advance the implementation of the new PBN procedures for Santiago airport, taking advantage of the favorable environmental report which eliminates the main pending regulatory obstacle.
2. AESA: Initiate or continue the validation and certification process for the new RNAV/RNP instrumental procedures designed by ENAIRE.
3. Airlines operating in Santiago: Verify that their fleet has the required RNAV/RNP navigation systems and that crews have the appropriate qualification to operate under PBN procedures.
4. Airport managers: Coordinate with ENAIRE the transition schedule and communicate to user airlines the timelines and operational requirements of the change.
5. Surrounding municipalities: Consult the environmental assessment file to learn the final layout of the new routes and assess the acoustic and environmental impact on your territory.

Official source

View complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-14555