Air Europa Denies Links to PM's Wife in Pandemic Bailout Controversy

Air Europa has officially denied allegations that Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was paid for any involvement in securing a pandemic-related grant. In a statement to Europa Press, the airline refuted claims made by former ministerial advisor Koldo García, who suggested that Gómez may have been approached for help in obtaining a bailout granted through the Strategic Company Solvency Support Fund (SEPI) in 2020. The airline emphasized that at no point was there a request for her mediation or involvement in the administrative procedures surrounding the loan. The controversy centers around the substantial 475 million euros that the Spanish government provided to Air Europa during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid in addressing the significant financial impact caused by suspended flights. Former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos, now imprisoned, also hinted at Gómez’s purported role in facilitating the bailout, raising further suspicions. Nevertheless, Air Europa, a subsidiary of the Globalia Group, has firmly stated that neither the airline nor its management ever estimated, recommended, or executed any payments to Gómez for her supposed involvement in the aid process. The company insists that its dealings regarding the financial support were handled in strict compliance with applicable laws and were reviewed favorably by relevant administrative bodies and legal firms. As the investigation unfolds, it has been confirmed that meetings took place between Begoña Gómez and Javier Hidalgo, CEO of Globalia, prior to the bailout decision. This has fueled speculation regarding potential conflicts of interest, despite both the airline and the government maintaining that no inappropriate connections influenced the bailout's approval. Gómez's actions are currently under judicial review, although earlier rulings by the Madrid Court indicated insufficient evidence to warrant a detailed investigation into Air Europa's bailout. Meanwhile, the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has instructed the government to provide additional information regarding the case. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly defended his wife's innocence, insisting that she has acted without any wrongdoing and asserting that the bailout process was both transparent and lawful. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2