Madrid, January 30, 2026 — Spain’s CNMC has opened an investigation into suspected anticompetitive conduct in the market for aerial services, focusing on possible collusion in public tenders for firefighting, air ambulance, and search-and-rescue operations.
The authority said it is examining whether companies in the sector engaged in agreements or concerted practices to manipulate public procurement processes for aerial services linked to fire prevention and extinction, medical transport, and emergency response.
Between January 27 and January 30, the CNMC carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several companies active in the sector. The inspections were conducted with the support of regional competition authorities in the relevant autonomous communities.
Procedural status
The CNMC stressed that the inspections constitute a preliminary step in the investigation and do not imply that the companies concerned have infringed competition rules. If the evidence gathered reveals indications of prohibited conduct, the authority may formally open sanctioning proceedings.
Under Spanish law, agreements between competitors — including bid-rigging and market-sharing — constitute very serious infringements and may result in fines of up to 10 percent of the total turnover of the infringing companies.
The authority said cartel enforcement remains one of its core priorities, citing the significant harm such conduct can cause to consumers and to the effective functioning of markets, particularly in sectors involving public procurement and essential services.
Leniency and reporting mechanisms
The CNMC reiterated the availability of its leniency programme, under which companies or associations participating in a cartel may obtain immunity from fines if they provide evidence enabling the authority to detect the infringement. Companies that cooperate after an investigation has begun may also benefit from fine reductions if they contribute significant added value.
Applicants for leniency are exempt from the ban on contracting with the public sector that may otherwise apply to companies sanctioned for serious infringements related to the distortion of competition under Spanish public procurement law.
In addition, the authority encouraged individuals and companies to use its anonymous reporting platform, the Anonymous Competition Informant System (SICA), to report suspected anti-competitive conduct, including price-fixing, market-sharing, or bid-rigging arrangements.
Source: https://www.cnmc.es/prensa/inspecciones-sector-trabajos-aereos-20260130?back=news
