Morocco, Spain discussing co-managing Western Sahara’s airspace

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it maintains “unofficial contacts” with the Moroccan government regarding the “co-management of the Western Sahara airspace,” according to Spanish media.

Following a confirmation from the ministry of foreign, Spanish newspaper El Indepente reports that unofficial contacts on the issue between the two countries are indeed maintained.

While the ministry replied and confirmed these unofficial contacts were a reality, it did not elaborate further.

When approached by the same Spanish publication and asked to make statements suggesting that the negotiations are being overseen by Foreign Affairs, both ENAIRE, the Spanish air navigation manager, and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, declined.

According to El Confidential Digital, Spain acknowledged a few months ago that it had started talks with Rabat for the transfer of airspace management in the Western Sahara and coordination between the two parties with the aim of achieving greater security in connections and technical cooperation. 

This was done within the framework of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez’s new relations with Morocco after voicing his country’s stance on the Sahara.

El Confidencial Digital has received confirmation from diplomatic sources that Spain, which now controls the Canary Islands, has chosen to halt the transfer of management of the Saharan airspace to Morocco due to the electoral victory. 

The decision has already been given to King Mohamed VI, and according to the same media, Rabat has put further pressure on Ceuta and Melilla as a result of Spain’s shift in policy.

In a separate development, Morocco has purchased a next-generation air traffic management system from Spanish technology company Indra, which guarantees coordination with other regional states.

The move is part of Morocco’s efforts to establish itself as a key player in the field of air navigation in the Maghreb region, stated the same source.