Andorra Approves €1.35M Extra for La Caubella Heliport Amid Cost Overruns

The Andorran government has approved an additional €1.354.845 payment to support the national heliport concession at La Caubella, as published in the Butlletí Oficial del Principat d'Andorra (BOPA) on 1 April 2026. The funds, allocated to concessionaire Heliports d’Andorra 360, SA, address rising construction costs, material price fluctuations, earthworks, consumer price index increases, and expenses from relocating a nearby mountain bike circuit.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal described the injection as a contractual adjustment, keeping total state spending around €7 million—consistent with 2023 estimates. This covers up to 75% of construction costs, with the operator funding the rest. So far, the government has contributed roughly €5-6.5 million, bringing the project's total past €12 million due to overruns.

The 30-year concession balances public risk and potential returns. The state will annually review and compensate any operational losses. If profitable, the operator pays a canon: 10% of EBITDA without preclearance (pre-border customs processing), or 15% with it. Over the remaining 28 years, annual amortisation payments could reach €90,000 maximum.

Construction nears completion, with the helipad almost finished and service buildings in final stages. Casal expects full readiness by summer, after which the operator takes over. Initial services may be limited, expanding based on private negotiations and demand. Unlike airports, the heliport prioritises on-demand flights over fixed schedules, offering flexible connections.

Casal noted recovery of funds depends on performance: “These contributions can be recouped later if the infrastructure works.” Specific routes remain undisclosed, as they involve private deals. No details emerged on operator payment issues to subcontractors raised by some sources.