Plus Ultra Air Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Alleged Misuse of Spain’s €53M Bailout
Spanish long-haul carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas is back under intense scrutiny following allegations that a €53 million state bailout awarded in 2021 was later used as part of an international money-laundering scheme tied to Venezuelan funds.
The case escalated in December 2025, when Spanish police arrested the airline’s owner and CEO and carried out searches at company offices in Madrid, signaling a major shift from political controversy to a criminal investigation.
Allegations Focus on What Happened After the Bailout Was Paid
Investigators are examining claims that Plus Ultra redirected public money received through Spain’s FASEE strategic support fund to repay loans allegedly linked to Venezuelan entities shortly after the bailout was disbursed.
Authorities suspect that rapid transfers to foreign accounts in France and Switzerland were structured to “clean” funds believed to have originated from misappropriated Venezuelan public money—effectively using Spanish taxpayer-backed aid as a laundering mechanism. Plus Ultra has not been convicted of wrongdoing, and the accusations remain under investigation.
Separate From the 2021 Court Challenge to the Bailout Itself
This new probe is distinct from a previous legal battle over whether the bailout was improperly granted in the first place. In 2021, a judge reviewed concerns around the airline’s strategic importance and financial viability, but that case was dismissed after the court found no initial evidence of fraud, bribery, or administrative misconduct tied to the approval process.
The current investigation, however, centers on the use of funds after receipt, rather than the decision to award them.
Political Questions Resurface as Oversight Comes Under the Spotlight
The renewed attention has also reignited debate about possible political influence, following reports of meetings between government figures and Plus Ultra representatives ahead of the bailout approval.
Critics argue the case could raise broader questions about compliance with European Union state-aid rules, potentially drawing attention beyond Spain if authorities determine public funds were diverted in a way that violates the intended purpose of the support.
Passenger Complaints Add Pressure as Legal Issues Mount
Alongside the financial investigation, the airline has faced growing public criticism from travelers. Complaints have included service issues, refund disputes, and allegations of misleading booking practices, further damaging the brand at a moment when legal pressure is intensifying.
What Happens Next
Spanish authorities continue to examine whether funds intended to stabilize an airline were instead diverted through international channels in a laundering scheme. The outcome could carry serious implications for Plus Ultra’s future, and could also become a test case for how state aid is monitored and enforced within Europe’s aviation sector.
