AenaNews Quarterly magazine for airlines, airports, tour-operators and tourism authorities Issue 17

Bilbao Airport Index

Bilbao Airport Latest News on Spanish Airports Page

New personal shopper service Adolfo Suárez -Barajas Airport Aena will attend Routes in available at Málaga-Costal del Sol among the ten best airports in the Bilbao from 22 to 24 April Airport World according to eDreams Our Team hopes to see you in our stand Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport inaugurated the The online travel agency, eDreams, has number HNS3 in Bilbao. new Personal Shopper service in March 2018, published the results of the 18th edition of where customized advisory service is available its study “Best airports 2018”, in which more in different languages (Spanish, English, than 50,000 travelers have commented on French and Russian) to make purchases quickly the characteristics and services of the airports and conveniently, with recommendations on around the World. The ranking is led by Changi products and services that can be found at Airport, and there are eight European airports the airport. Passengers can also benefit from among the top ten best airports in which assitance with customs formalities and tax Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport ranks 8th. management. Additionally, airport users consider Adolfo The service can be requested prior the arrival Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to be among the at the airport in many ways: three best airports in the World in the category of gastronomy, after El Dorado (Bogota) and • By email: [email protected] Zurich. • Aena’s website: www.aena.es • By phone: +34 627 253 832 New Routes Page

November 2017 November 2017 (cont.)

From To Airline From To Airline Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel Germania Tenerife South Naples easyJet Fuerteventura Katowice (via Cologne) Grupo Small Planet Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Germania Fuerteventura Stockholm Norwegian Tenerife South Nuremberg Niki Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel TUIfly Tenerife South Stuttgart Niki Gran Canaria Aalborg (via Faro) Danish Air Transport Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Sundair Gran Canaria Geneva easyJet Tenerife South Berlin Tegel Sundair Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel Germania Tenerife South Kassel Sundair Gran Canaria Grupo Small Planet Gran Canaria Ostersund Jet Time December 2017 Gran Canaria Nuremberg Niki Gran Canaria Hamburgh Niki Gran Canaria Aalborg Norwegian From To Airline Gran Canaria Goteborg Scandinavian Airlines AS Madrid-Barajas Caracas Estelar Latinoamericana Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel Sundair AS Madrid-Barajas Marrakech Gran Canaria Berlin Tegel TUIfly AS Madrid-Barajas Recife Air Europa Gran Canaria Lyon Bilbao FGL Granada-Jaen Vueling La Palma Dusseldorf FGL Granada-Jaen Paris CDG Vueling La Palma Hamburgh Eurowings FGL Granada-Jaen Gran Canaria Vueling La Palma Stuttgart Eurowings FGL Granada-Jaen Tenerife South Vueling La Palma Nuremberg Germania Fuerteventura Seville Vueling La Palma Frankfurt Niki Lanzarote Brussels January 2018 Lanzarote Wroclaw (via Poznan) Enter Air Lanzarote Munich Eurowings Lanzarote Berlin Tegel Germania From To Airline Lanzarote Warsaw Grupo Small Planet AS Madrid Barajas Berlin Tegel easyJet Lanzarote Hamburgh Niki Fuerteventura Berlin Tegel Eurowings Lanzarote Cologne Niki Lanzarote Munich Niki February 2018 Malaga-Costa del Sol Helsinki Scandinavian Airlines Palma de Mallorca Frankfurt Eurowings Pamplona Frankfurt From To Airline Seville Krakow Almeria Brussels Brussels Airlines Source: Aena New Routes Page

March 2018 March 2018 (cont.)

From To Airline From To Airline A.S.Madrid-Barajas Shenzhen Hainan Airlines Malaga-Costa del Sol Air Baltic A.S.Madrid-Barajas Bergen Norwegian Malaga-Costa del Sol La Valeta Air Malta A.S.Madrid-Barajas Geneva Malaga-Costa del Sol Warsaw Ryanair -Elche Stuttgart Eurowings Malaga-Costa del Sol Aarhus Scandinavian Airlines Alicante-Elche Pardubice Ryanair Malaga-Costa del Sol Malmo Scandinavian Airlines Alicante-Elche Bodo Scandinavian Airlines Malaga-Costa del Sol Paris Orly TUIfly Belgium Alicante-Elche Marseille Vueling Malaga-Costa del Sol Wizz Air Almeria London Heathrow Menorca London Stansted easyJet Barcelona-El Prat Tbilisi Georgian Airways Murcia-San Javier Frankfurt Ryanair Barcelona-El Prat Boston Palma de Mallorca Dusseldorf Eurowings Barcelona-El Prat La Valeta Ryanair Palma de Mallorca Warsaw Ryanair Barcelona-El Prat Porto TAP Palma de Mallorca Aarhus Scandinavian Airlines Barcelona-El Prat Alghero Vueling Palma de Mallorca A Coruña Vueling Bilbao La Valeta Volotea Reus London Stansted EasyJet Bilbao Vienna Volotea Reus Shannon Ryanair Bilbao Malaga-Costa del Sol Volotea SB - Santander Ryanair Bilbao Lisbon Vueling Seville Edinburgh EasyJet Bilbao Jerez Vueling Seville Nice EasyJet Fuerteventura Dusseldorf Azur Air Seville Copenhagen Ryanair Fuerteventura Lyon Easyjet Seville La Valeta Ryanair Fuerteventura Dusseldorf Grupo Small Planet Tenerife South Zurich Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Cologne Olympus Airways Tenerife South Cologne Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Zurich Olympus Airways Tenerife South Stuttgart Olympus Airways Fuerteventura Hamburgh Olympus Airways Valencia Rome Alitalia Fuerteventura Stuttgart Olympus Airways Valencia Bristol Ryanair Girona- Costa Brava Riga Ryanair Valencia Palermo Ryanair Girona- Costa Brava Frankfurt Ryanair Valencia Brussels TUIfly Belgium Girona- Costa Brava Kaunas Ryanair Gran Canaria Dusseldorf Azur Air Gran Canaria Hannover Olympus Airways Gran Canaria Zurich Olympus Airways Gran Canaria Venice Ryanair La Palma Tenerife North Air Europa Source: Aena Statistics Page

Traffic by Airport

Q1 2018 Q1 2018 Change Change, % Change Change, % Airport Passengers Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - Airport Passengers Q1 2017 Q1 2017 Q1 2017 Q1 2017

1 AS Madrid-Barajas 12,630,390 1,005,967 8.7% 26 Almeria 123,389 -15,987 -11.5% 2 Barcelona-El Prat 9,927,159 854,735 9.4% 27 Zaragoza 88,271 1,495 1.7% 3 Gran Canaria 3,595,330 261,993 7.9% 28 Melilla 74,950 3,083 4.3% 4 Malaga-Costa Del Sol 3,193,468 211,310 7.1% 29 San Sebastian 64,117 6,138 10.6% 5 Tenerife South 2,954,113 50,602 1.7% 30 El Hierro 52,291 16,533 46.2% 6 Palma De Mallorca 2,756,722 286,125 11.6% 31 Valladolid 47,231 6,447 15.8% 7 Alicante-Elche 2,375,523 95,846 4.2% 32 Pamplona 44,295 8,513 23.8% 8 Lanzarote 1,758,162 86,730 5.2% 33 Vitoria 37,899 35,287 - 9 Valencia 1,533,639 335,621 28.0% 34 Reus 29,816 1,405 4.9% 10 Fuerteventura 1,510,050 120,950 8.7% 35 Leon 12,621 6,238 97.7% 11 Seville 1,388,594 320,778 30.0% 36 Heliport 10,590 10,179 - 12 Tenerife North 1,167,136 203,047 21.1% 37 Badajoz 10,295 1,671 19.4% 13 Bilbao 1,031,030 77,346 8.1% 38 La Gomera 9,634 1,431 17.4% 14 Ibiza 605,275 119,254 24.5% 39 7,028 6,980 - 15 Santiago 558,286 47,580 9.3% 40 Logroño 4,541 -5 -0.1% 16 La Palma 345,913 26,736 8.4% 41 Salamanca 1,847 -133 -6.7% 17 Asturias 287,834 12,580 4.6% 42 Cordoba 1,420 -243 -14.6% 18 A Coruña 268,095 17,690 7.1% 43 Sabadell 864 145 20.2% 19 Menorca 245,514 15,366 6.7% 44 Burgos 693 -7 -1.0% 20 FGL Granada-Jaen 242,038 57,719 31.3% 45 Madrid-Cuatro Vientos 660 216 48.6% 21 Vigo 218,548 26,407 13.7% 46 Albacete 448 53 13.4% 22 SB Santander 206,924 47,770 30.0% 47 Son Bonet 83 11 15.3% 23 Girona 155,321 11,222 7.8% 48 Huesca-Pirineos 71 60 - 24 Jerez De La Frontera 154,049 22,796 17.4% TOTAL 49,883,589 4,427,804 9.7% 25 Murcia-San Javier 151,422 22,124 17.1% Source: Aena Statistics Page

Airlines Ranking

Q1 2017 Q1 2018

Airline Change Change % Number of Aena Passengers Passengers Market Share Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - airports operated Q1 2017 Q1 2017

1 Ryanair 8,033,723 9,091,537 18.2% 1,057,814 13.2% 23 2 Group 7,294,555 8,200,238 16.4% 905,683 12.4% 29 3 Vueling 6,167,191 7,329,054 14.7% 1,161,863 18.8% 27 4 Air Europa 3,409,736 3,725,755 7.5% 316,019 9.3% 23 5 easyJet 2,653,815 2,875,822 5.8% 222,007 8.4% 18 6 Lufthansa Group 1,634,332 2,238,617 4.5% 604,285 37.0% 17 7 Norwegian 1,856,809 2,046,001 4.1% 189,192 10.2% 11 8 TUI Group 1,779,142 1,878,965 3.8% 99,823 5.6% 11 9 Binter+ Naysa 1,246,436 1,493,974 3.0% 247,538 19.9% 8 10 Thomas Cook Group 1,398,421 1,340,248 2.7% -58,173 -4.2% 9 11 Jet2.com 549,312 916,368 1.8% 367,056 66.8% 8 12 609,673 626,514 1.3% 16,841 2.8% 12 13 British Airways 456,309 518,361 1.0% 62,052 13.6% 11 14 TAP 356,391 419,546 0.8% 63,155 17.7% 11 15 Wizz Air 350,559 416,345 0.8% 65,786 18.8% 9 Other Airlines

7,659,381 6,766,244 13.6% -893,137 -11.7%

Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883,589 100% 4,427,804 9.7% Iberia Group: Iberia, Iberia Express and Lufthansa Group: Lufhtansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and Austrian Airlines TUI Group: Thomson Airways, TUIfly, TUIfly Belgium, TUIfly Nordic, TUIfly Netherlands Thomas Cook Group: Condor, Thomas Cook UK, Thomas Cook Scandinavian and Thomas Cook Belgium and Corsair Note: Monach, Air Berlín and Thomas Cook Belgium ceased operations on October 2017 and Niki ceased operations in December 2017 Source: Aena Statistics Page

Market Ranking I

Q1 2017 Q1 2018

Country Change Change. % Passengers Passengers Market Share Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - Q1 2017 Q1 2017 1 14,907,297 17,084,024 34.2% 2,176,727 14.6% 2 United Kingdom 7,066,955 6,974,266 14.0% -92,689 -1.3% 3 Germany 4,585,645 4,938,936 9.9% 353,291 7.7% 4 Italy 2,616,676 2,903,767 5.8% 287,091 11.0% 5 France 2,290,747 2,484,578 5.0% 193,831 8.5% 6 Holland 1,496,983 1,622,681 3.3% 125,698 8.4% 7 Switzerland 1,138,773 1,171,861 2.3% 33,088 2.9% 8 Belgium 1,137,062 1,202,514 2.4% 65,452 5.8% 9 Portugal 851,014 989,690 2.0% 138,676 16.3% 10 Sweden 847,198 918,832 1.8% 71,634 8.5% Top 10 Countries

36,938,350 40,291,149 80.8% 3,352,799 9.1%

Other Countries

8,517,435 9,592,440 19.2% 1,075,005 12,6% Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883,589 100% 4,427,804 9.7%

Source: Aena Statistics Page

Market Ranking II

Q1 2017 Q1 2018

Region Change Change. % Passengers Passengers Market Share Q1 2018 - Q1 2018 - Q1 2017 Q1 2017

1 Europe 26,641,197 28,423,325 57.0% 1,782,128 6.7% 2 Spain 14,907,297 17,084,024 34.2% 2,176,727 14.6% 3 Latin America 1,894,561 1,996,237 4.0% 101,676 5.4% 4 Africa 690,201 775,787 1.6% 85,586 12.4% 5 North America 542,281 699,242 1.4% 156,961 28.9% 6 Middle-East 605,114 677,670 1.4% 72,556 12% 7 Asia-Pacific 175,134 227,304 0.5% 52,170 29.8% Total Aena 45,455,785 49,883,589 100% 4,427,804 9.7%

Source: Aena Potential Routes Page

Bilbao - Hannover

Aena’s Marketing Team would be glad to provide your airline with a tailor made business case, so please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Indirect traffic by year 36,096 pax Maximum Historic 19,800 searches (2017) 25 Indirect Passengers (K) Traffic in 2004 45% 55% 21.1 TUI Group used to operate the 20.3 route until 2005. A new route 20 19.1 from Bilbao to Hannover would 0% 50% 100% 17.5 benefit from the “new route to a 15.5 new destination” incentive Bilbao-Hannover Hannover-Bilbao 15 13.5 Own processed data based on information provided by Skyscanner in 2017

10 Traveller Accommodation

Hotels and similar

5 Housing relatives/friends 63% 20% Other 101,100 Housing rent German tourists 0 visited Y 2012 Y 2013 Y 2014 Y 2015 Y 2016 Y 2017 3% 13% Second residence Basque Country Indirect Traffic: MIDT 2017 (round trip), Sabre 1% National Statistics Institute (INE) National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data) (last available data) Potential Routes Page

Bilbao -

Aena’s Marketing Team would be glad to provide your airline with a tailor made business case, so please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Indirect traffic by year

Unserved 87,500 searches (2017) Route 15 Indirect Passengers (K)

13.2 A new route from Bilbao to 36% 64% 12 Moscow would benefit from the 11.0 10.7 “new route to a new destination” 10.4 10.1 incentive 0% 50% 100% 9.0 9 Bilbao-Moscow Moscow-Bilbao Own processed data based on information provided by Skyscanner in 2017

6 Traveller Accommodation

Hotels and Similar 3 69% Housing relatives/Friends

Other 10,000 Russian tourists 0 17% Y 2012 Y 2013 Y 2014 Y 2015 Y 2016 Y2017 visited 14% Basque Country Indirect Traffic: MIDT 2017 (round trip), Sabre National Statistics Institute (INE) National Statistics Institute (INE) (last available data) (last available data) Public Holidays in Spain Page

May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

1 Labor Day 9 Day of La Rioja and Murcia Regions 25 Day of Santiago the Apostle in Galicia 2 Day of Madrid Region 28 Day of Cantabria Region 17 Galicia Region Literature Day 30 Day of the Canary Islands 31 Day of Castilla-La Mancha Region

National Holiday Local Holiday Did you know? Page

Pintxos in the Basque Country

In the Basque Country you can eat very well out of counter dining. The so-called “poteo” or “txikiteo” is well-rooted in the Basque Country eating-out tradition. It consists in going out with friends from bar to bar, drinking a small glass of txakoli wine (named “txikito”) or beer (named “zurito”). This culinary ritual includes food in the form of small bites or pintxos. Usually a pintxo is a small slice of bread with a small amount of food on top, held together by a toothpick. However pintxos have evolved to become true culinary treasures that can be considered as haute cuisine in the Basque gastronomy, prepared with typical local products: cod, mushrooms, hake, baby squid, etc… A traditional pintxo bar offer a wide variety of such small portions of food that fill the place with colours, flavours and smells which invite visitors to try authentic small-size culinary delights. All the Basque capitals have pintxo bars gathered in certain areas, especially in the Old Towns. Walking the streets in any Old Town and coming into a pintxo bar can make a yummy experience. Discover Bilbao Airport Page

Ready to connect with European cities

Bilbao city has become an important business and tourist centre, encouraging economic growth in the area. Bilbao Airport, located 12 kilometres from the capital, in the municipality of , handles mostly domestic scheduled flights, altough is well prepared for the arrival of new airlines opening new European routes.

General Airport Facts Passenger Profile

S 04:45-21:30; PS1 HR 10 MIN PPR Timetable W 05:45-22:30; PS1 HR 10 MIN PPR 53% 47% Man Woman 10/28 (1,910 x 45 m.) Runways 12/30 (2,600 x 45m.) Nationality Residence Commercial 21 parking stands Aviation Parking Biscay Region 6 air bridges 32% stands

36 check-in counters 14 boarding gates 77% 23% 7 baggage claim belts Spanish Foreign 44% 24% Terminal Services 1 VIP lounge Rest of Spain Foreign 8 Restaurants and cafeterias Age Reason of the Journey 6 Shops and Duty Free 100% 100% 80% 80% Check the unserved routes Potential routes at The Route Shop Profile 60% 60% (anna.aero) by clicking here 40% 40% 20% 20%

0 4% 19% 49% 21% 7% 0 38% 13% 43% 6%

< 15 15 - 29 30 - 49 50 - 64 >64 Business Visit Holidays Other Family/Friends

Source: Aena Basque Country, opportunities for new Page routes Business and tourism looking for access to a wide variety of European destinations

Bilbao, the largest city of the Basque Country on the industrial sector. Trade and finance have But the image of a “grey and boring industrial region, gives its name to the airport, which is benefitted from the intensive industrialization country” is gradually changing in the Basque the main airport in northern Spain. Well-known that began in the 19th century with the iron territories, thanks to efforts in Research and for its manufacturing industries and stunning mines in Biscay and the big factories that Development, Tourism and Services, which are gastronomy, the Basque Country is making a produced the steel needed for car and ship changing the Basque model. The change of special effort to increase the number of visitors manufacturing. the industrial image after the boom of Bilbao that come purely for pleasure and recreation, city, known in Europe and America when the Nowadays the industrial sector is predominant, something that was very unusual a couple of Guggenheim Museum was opened, in 1998, with almost 24% of the Basque economy decades ago. is setting a new standard to create a “Basque dependent on it. Inside the industrial sector, experience”, something that is far from the Due to its dynamic business environment, the automotive and machine tool sectors “sun and beach” formula and that is much Bilbao Airport is historically linked with the concentrate the highest number of leading appreciated by certain target travelers in main industrial areas of Western Europe, companies. This is also the case in other Europe and also in Asia and the Middle East. including Germany, London or Paris. But being related activities, as, for example, train well-connected with the main European hubs is manufacturing, where local and foreign not enough for a vibrant territory that can offer companies invest heavily in their Basque foreign visitors the great landscapes of the plants. valleys, San Sebastian, with its unique bay, or the vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. The number of passengers passing through Bilbao Airport reached almost 5 million in 2017, but the airport has enough capacity to grow with new European and domestic flights. The operating hours at Bilbao Airport allows airlines to fly to any place in Europe at convenient times. Aena, the airport operator, offers an Incentive Scheme that rewards airlines that open new routes with up to 100% discount in the passenger charge and support the opening of new routes with Marketing Support. The Basque Country leads the top Spanish Regions, together with Madrid, Catalonia and Navarre. It has always been an economy based Water cannon salute at the opening flight (Vueling, Bilbao-Jerez)

Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Nature, architecture, innovation and tradition

The unmistakable greens and blues draw your gaze to a country filled with tradition and identity, where, for aeons, the sea and the land have brought together common centres of custom and innovation. The language, Euskera, is one of the most cherished treasures that has even been speculated that, given its remote origin, it may be the oldest known language to date in Europe. Over its mountains and landscapes, an infinite number of links between the past and present are woven among its people. From the marine plateaus which have defined its fishing character to the exuberant and rugged lowlands which have borne witness to its farming and industrial activities, Euskadi continues to grow without losing sight of its origins. Proof of this is its solid and highly qualified industrial sector, where areas such as the automotive, aeronautical, environmental, technology, industrial design, engineering and machine industries flourish to remain in a leading position in terms of sustainability, avant-garde and innovation. The inland and coastal zones, together with the three capital cities sum up to perfection the wealth and diversity of the country: Bilbao, with the transformation of a city of industrial renown to an avant-garde urban metropolis; Donostia/San Sebastian, always exquisite and unique with its French architectural influences, its coastline and top-quality cuisine, and Vitoria/Gazteiz, surrounded by natural passable zones full of green, combined with an urban San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Bermeo, Vizcaya) planning which is of reference at global level. Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Infrastructure and Industry

Infrastructure Basque Industry With more than 5,000 companies willing to hold the highest quality certificates and Although Euskadi is a small region, it The Basque Country Industry, a leading model standards, and thanks to a wide and rich has successfully adapted to new social of solid industrial development, represents a experience and tradition in this sector, the and business challenges, improving its conscious commitment to efficiency, quality, Basque Country has set forth on the road to competitiveness to maintain its leading technical excellence and internationalization. competitiveness as a key factor of a globalized positions in a steadily progressing and Due to its major impact on the country’s and highly industrialised economy. globalised economy. Euskadi is a region wealth, employment, technological characterized by its highly industrialised and development and the development of other These are the most remarkable industrial increasingly improved connections to the sectors, industry has always been a strategic sectors of the Basque Country that make up world. Moreover, thanks to its firmly-rooted target for investment and incentives. In the image of economic progress and excellence history based on tradition, the Basque Country consequence, the success of the Basque in this open country: advanced machinery, has, on a daily basis, a meaningful commitment industry policies lies in the firm commitment of automotive, aeronautical, energy, maritime with its people, language and ancient customs, the Basque Government to support businesses industry, rail industry, and ecoindustries, in order to keep its history and integrity alive. on the path to competitiveness. among others. Euskadi enjoys a strategic position as a key link in the European Atlantic corridor and as the natural entry point from the continent towards the southern part of the country. Euskadi is also in the transit zone between the Spanish and Portuguese markets and the rest of Europe, within an area of influence of more than 2,000 km connecting more than 10 EU regions, with 80 million inhabitants, 25% of the population of the Euro zone. Aware of this privileged location, Euskadi has created a first-rate system with its logistics and transport network, perfectly coordinated and interconnected within the country and with the major European networks, providing it with an incomparable multi-modal Logistical Platform for the accessibility of people and the transport of goods in the south-west of Europe

Bridge (Portugalete, Biscay)

Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Tourist Destinations: Bilbao

Bilbao is the capital of Biscay, as well as a metropolis and economic and financial centre of the Basque Country. The largest city (1,000,000 inhabitants) in the province of Biscay, it is the beating heart of the Basque Country. Bilbao is divided into eight district areas, and the green hills surrounding the city are a relief to the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Given its proximity to the sea, the climate is mild, perfect weather for exploring the beautiful walkways and bridges along the river. Along the Ría (estuary) of Bilbao, the backbone of the metropolis, you will find the unmistakable Guggenheim Museum, a must-see, both inside and out. Frank Gehry’s spectacular twisting titanium-clad modern art museum is evocative of the ships that used to be moored alongside the docks of Bilbao. Seventeen bridges span the banks of the estuary inside the city limits. Among the most interesting ones are the Zubizuri, designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Princess of Spain Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Biscay) Bridge, also known as “La Salve” and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Bilbao is a captivating contradiction of the old and new. Explore the old quarter and get lost in such as the Bidebarrieta Municipal Library. The a city that is an example of a dramatic urban the so-called “las 7 calles” (the seven streets) unique columns that hold up the Alhóndiga are transformation and has so much charm to offer of the original medieval town, which is a very a perfect example of the new modern face of to all of its visitors. Internationally renowned lively and dynamic mixture of heritage, stores Bilbao. for its urban regeneration, Bilbao won the Nobel Prize for Cities in 2010: “Lee Kuan Yew and hospitality establishments. Here you can Bilbao is sophisticated and humming with World City Prize”. explore the beautiful façades of buildings action, a gateway to the Basque culture. It is

Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Tourist Destinations: San Sebastian

San Sebastian is the capital of and the major city of the Basque Coast. A city open to the sea, historically regarded as the tourist capital of the Basque Country, and located close to France. It boasts one the most beautiful bays in the world, La Concha, and three city beaches. San Sebastian is surrounded by mountains and viewpoints: Igeldo, Urgull, Ulia and the Isle of Santa Clara, lie on either side of the River Urumea. San Sebastian reveals a dynamic cultural scene, where grass-roots initiatives based in different parts of the city and the arranged private and public synergy have paved the ground for a rich range of possibilities and catering events. For taking a stroll, there are highly recommended walks and nature-related activities on foot and/or by bicycle along the promenade from the “Peine de los Vientos” magnificent sculptures by Chillida to the Kursaal, up urban mountains, the parks and gardens and for enjoying the delightful pace of life by the sea or going to the beaches to surf. The city was selected as European Capital of Culture in 2016, with the slogan, “Waves of people’s energy”, summarizing a clear message: people and movements of citizens are the real driving force behind transformations and changes in the world. It is also known for the slightly sparkling wine “Txakoli” and for the bars springing up all over the old part of the city, being the place in the world with more Michelin Stars per square meter. This makes San Sebastián a premium gastronomic La Concha Bay (San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa) destination. Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Tourist Destinations: Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria/Gasteiz is the capital of Alava, and Vitoria is the administrative capital of the Basque Country. It also boasts the most important logistics center in the north of Spain with its green natural surroundings. Vitoria has a lot to offer. It boasts the best preserved medieval center of all the Basque Cities and an important renaissance architecture. Many buildings there date back to the 1,500s or earlier. The almond-shaped center is also partly surrounded by an 11th century wall along with several impressive watchtowers such as the one in San Miguel Arcángel church. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is also an example of the particularly outstanding city architecture. Moreover, it was selected European Green Capital in 2012 for its commitment to sustainability, which makes Vitoria a perfect place for nature sports along “The Green Belt” with paths, lakes and reservoirs integrated into a fabulous scenery full of flora and fauna, through the towns and villages of Vitoria (Estibaliz, Armentia, Foronda, etc.). Its large selection of bars and restaurants, serving high quality food and the famous pintxos made Vitoria-Gasteiz the Spanish Gastronomy Capital in 2014.

Medieval Wall (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava)

Source: Basquetour Discover Euskadi Page

Mountains, coast and vineyards

The Basque Mountains and Valleys The Basque Coast Rioja Alavesa The Basque Mountains and Valleys with their The Basque Coast displays the most abrupt Rioja Alavesa is a land of ancient vineyards green landscapes and villages full of age- and diverse reliefs of the Basque landscapes, and villages, where a unique wine from the old traditions which continue alive today, are full of charm and beauty: fishing villages and tempranillo grape is produced. Watered by the most representative symbols of Basque seaside towns with beaches both near cities the river Ebro and surrounded by the Sierra history and tradition. The Basque Mountains and breathtaking locations, big estuaries and of Cantabria, this emblematic region boasts and Valleys are our natural scenario, where a magnificent cliffs with views to the ever- the most spectacular wineries, many of them profound reflection of the most ancient Basque changing oceans. designed by great architects: Ysios, Baigorri, culture and customs lives on: Gernika and the Riscal, Viñarreal-CVNE. This region offers Among its emblematic towns and areas, General Assembly Hall, the montes bocineros its wines under a certificate of origin that is Hondarribia, , , Lekeitio, La (beacon mountains), the myths and legends recognized as one of the best in the world. Concha Bay in San Sebastian, San Juan de of Euskadi, the farm and its way of life, rural Gaztelugatxe, the Getaria Muse, the Urdaibai sport. Biosphere Reserve and the Geopark must be Natural parks and routes are also a highlight, highlighted. as well as the Camino de Santiago and other religious sites, attracting thousands of travelers and pilgrims every year: Loyola, Arantzazu, La Antigua, Zenarruza, Estibaliz and Urkiola, among others.

Waterfall (Sobron, Álava) Marqués de Riscal vineyard and hotel (Álava)

Zumaia beach (Guipúzcoa)

Source: Basquetour What to do in the Basque Country Page

Thanks to an internal commitment to its people and to the constant improvement of its products and services, year after year Euskadi is host to a variety of events, at local, national and international level, with the aim of leading a tourist and cultural agenda of quality, while strengthening its opening and visibility.

MAY 2018 • Hondarribia Blues Festival (Hondarribia, 14- • Harvest Festival (Rioja Alavesa, 29 • Fantasy Film Festival (Bilbao, 4-11 May) 16 July) September) • Basque Cheese Festival (Idiazabal, 5-6 May) • 42nd International Jazz Festival (Vitoria- • 30th Magialdia Festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 29 • 16th International Marathon Martin Fiz Gasteiz, 17-21 July) September) (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6 May) • 53 Heineken Jazzaldia, International Jazz • Getxo Folk BBK (Getxo, 29 September) • European Rugby Champions Cup (Bilbao, 11- Festival (San Sebastian, 25-29 July) • Ja! Bilbao, International Festival (Bilbao, 29 12 May) September) • Txakoli Day (Amurrio, 20 May) AUGUST 2018 • Bilbao Triathlon (Bilbao, 26 May) • 79th Music Festival (San Sebastian, 2 August OCTOBER 2018 • Maz Festival Basauri (Basauri, 31 May-3 - 1 September) • Donostikluba (San Sebastian, 4-6 October) June) • White Virgin Festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 4-9 • Gastronomica Congress (San Sebastian, 7-10 • Musikaste, Basque Music Week (31 May-3 August) October) June) • San Sebastian cyclist race (San Sebastian, 4 • Invisible Cinema Festival (Bilbao, 18-25 August) October) JUNE 2018 • The landing of Juan Sebastian Elcano • Bilbao Night Marathon (Bilbao, 20 October) • Kaldearte (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6-8 June) (Getaria, 7 August) • XXIX Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (San • Triathlon Zarautz (9 June) • Senana Grande San Sebastian (11-18 Sebastian 27 October - 2 November) • Puntaik Punta (Aretxabaleta, 15-17 June) August) • International Theatre Festival (Vitoria- • 17th Azkena Rock Festival (22-23 June) • Semana Grande Bilbao (18-26 August) Gasteiz, 29 October) • Bonfires of Saint John (San Sebastian, 23 • Getxo Photo (Getxo, 30 August - 30 • June) September) NOVEMBER 2018 • Semana Grande del Pintxo (Vitoria-Gasteiz, • Euskal Jaiak (San Sebastian, 31 August - 9 • Behovia-San Sebastian (11 November) 30 June) September) • Getxo Arte (Getxo, November-December) • Open Day vineyards (Salinillas de Buradón, 30 June) SEPTEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018 • The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (Bilbao, 30 • 365 Jazz Bilbao Festival (Bilbao, September- • Ardoaraba, wine festival (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 6-8 June) December) December) • Kutxa Kultur Festival (1-2 September) • Durango Azoka (Durango, 6-9 December) JULY 2018 • La Concha Ocean Race (San Sebastian, 2-9 September) • Donosti Cup, International Football Cup (San Sebastian, 1-7 July) • Atlantikaldia (Errenteria, 20-23 September) • 66th Zinemaldia Film Festival (San • Getxo Jazz Festival (Getxo, 4-7 July) Sebastian, 21-29 September) • 12th Triathlon Vitoria-Gasteiz (8 July) • Cross Euskal Kosta, half marathon (29 • XIX Sailing Regata (San Sebastian, 14-15 July) September) Source: Basquetour Airline Customer Relations and Airport Marketing Team FOLLOW US ON: [email protected] | http://www.aena.es/en/airlines/airlines.html