Andorran Government Approves €1.35M Payment to Heliport Concessionaire for Cost Overruns

The Andorran government has approved a €1,354,845 payment to Heliports d’Andorra 360, the concessionaire for the national heliport at La Caubella, as outlined in a 1 April decree published in the BOPA. The funds compensate for projected operational shortfalls over the 30-year concession, calculated under clause two and annex 3's risk matrix. They address risks 6 and 7—construction price updates and unexpected material cost rises—as well as risk 18, covering relocation of the nearby mountain bike circuit.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal described the payment as a contractual adjustment for factors outside the concessionaire's control, such as material price hikes, expanded earthworks, and consumer price index increases. He stressed that it serves as a project closeout following an initial €5 million public contribution, keeping total state spending near €7 million against an overall construction cost of €12 million—figures aligned with 2023 estimates. The state covers up to 75% of the original €10 million construction budget, with the company funding the rest.

Casal emphasized the model's balance: public support for losses, with recovery through a canon on profits—10% of EBITDA without preclearance (a border police checkpoint) or 15% with it. "These funds can be recovered if the infrastructure works," he said, noting the approach matches budgeted expectations in a flexible concession distinct from traditional airports.

Construction began in November 2023 with an 18-month target but now approaches 30 months, as equipment installation extends into June. The runway is nearly complete, auxiliary buildings in final stages, and engineers reported strong progress during a recent site visit at their annual assembly. Casal indicated near-total completion by summer, followed by handover to the operator for initial limited services, potentially expanding via private negotiations and demand. He declined to detail regular or charter routes, citing ongoing private discussions and market conditions, and noted heliports often operate on demand rather than fixed schedules.

Officials maintain no major financing issues exist, though some construction firms report payment delays. The payment occurred before full completion, as foreseen in the contract.