Three Andorra Landowners Reject Cable Car Overflight Deal with Canillo Council

Three property owners affected by the proposed Armiana cable car project between Canillo and l'Armiana have formally rejected any agreement allowing the cable to pass over their land, stating that negotiations with Canillo parish council ended on 30 April.

In a statement issued by their lawyer this week, Josep Casal Mandicó, Maria Carme Duedra Caminal and Remei Rossa Rosell expressed surprise at recent public comments from Canillo's first consul, Jordi Alcobé. They noted his claims during a council meeting and a gathering with other landowners that talks remained open or could resume. The owners clarified that their unified refusal was conveyed in a 30 April meeting at the consul's office, after months of discussions and proposed route changes that still failed to address their concerns.

The three families emphasised there will be no resumption of talks. They argued that recent modifications to the initial proposal did not satisfy them and urged the council to pursue a legal declaration of public interest if it wishes to proceed, followed by potential expropriation of overflight rights.

Casal Mandicó, owner of the family-run Casal campsite near Canillo, warned the cable would have "catastrophic" impacts on his 65-year-old business. He described how the route would pass directly over the site, mobile homes and general road before ascending through untouched mountain areas. Clients seek rest amid natural beauty, he said, making the infrastructure incompatible. "We are not against a cable car or any project for tourists' or the country's benefit, but this would mean closing our tourist and commercial activity," the statement quoted him as saying.

The owners rejected council arguments that the project would boost their properties' value, noting their land differs from others along the route—such as avalanche-prone "red zones" where acquisitions have been proposed. Their stance aims to protect private property integrity.

Canillo council maintains the door is open to agreements. Officials confirmed deals with six of nine affected owners and reiterated willingness to work toward consent from all, referring to Alcobé's council session remarks without further comment.