Bus sector identified as a key driver of the Spanish economy
FIAA presents its inaugural Sector Report, confirming the strategic role of the bus in public transport in Spain, contributing €6 billion to GDP and supporting 95,000 jobs.
Amid this positive momentum for the sector, the International Bus and Coach Trade Fair stands as a catalyst for solutions, innovation, and dialogue for the future of public transport.
The International Bus and Coach Trade Fair (FIAA), taking place at IFEMA MADRID from 22 to 24 September 2026, has presented its inaugural Sector Report highlighting the strategic role of the bus in mobility and the Spanish economy. This analysis, conducted in collaboration with experts, operators, and manufacturers, confirms that the sector is experiencing one of its most positive periods and is consolidating its position as an essential pillar of collective mobility in the country.
In 2024, the bus sector contributed around €6 billion to GDP and supported approximately 95,000 direct and indirect jobs. According to the report, Spain is consolidating its position as the leading European market in terms of passenger volume, with a vehicle fleet expected to exceed 60,000 units by the end of 2025, representing 5% growth compared to the previous year.
Registrations will also reach record figures in 2025, with around 4,300 new vehicles, reinforcing the expansion trend that the sector has maintained over the last decade. This growth has been driven by public subsidies and grants implemented since 2022, aimed at encouraging the use of public transport over private vehicles. In this context, since 2019, demand for urban transport has increased by 15%, while demand for interurban transport has grown by more than 30%, reflecting a sustained boom in public transport.
Company fleets triple in volume over 25 years
The FIAA report also shows that the bus sector in Spain is largely comprised of family businesses. It is a highly fragmented sector, mostly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, aligning with the business fabric of other European countries where family-owned firms play a key role. There are currently around 2,500 bus companies in Spain. However, in recent years there has been a significant process of concentration: around 1,000 companies have been acquired by other firms, alongside some closures. As a result, the average fleet has grown from 5 to almost 17 vehicles per company in just over 25 years.
In practice, almost the entire Spanish bus sector is in the hands of family-owned companies. Even the large business groups that have exported mobility services internationally - with few exceptions - remain family-owned.
The report also highlights the relevance of the new Sustainable Mobility Law (LMS), approved in November, which recognises mobility as a fundamental right and reinforces the role of the bus as an essential service for 49 million citizens. The legislation opens strategic opportunities linked to digitalisation and decarbonisation, driving efficiency, sustainability, and modernisation of transport management.
Generational succession and concession renewal among the challenges facing the sector
Despite these opportunities, the sector faces important challenges: the renewal of the concession system, the recruitment of professional drivers, and adaptation to new sustainability and operational efficiency demands. According to the FIAA report, these challenges require collaboration between industry, operators, and administrations, as well as the promotion of public-private partnerships.
FIAA 2026: A strategic event for promoting the sector
In this context, FIAA 2026 consolidates itself as a strategic hub for the promotion of the bus and coach sector. Manufacturers, operators, and administrations agree that the fair is a true catalyst for solutions, a space for dialogue and cooperation, and the ideal venue for presenting innovations, consolidating alliances, and generating new business opportunities. The International Bus and Coach Trade Fair is consolidating its position as the main meeting forum for the sector in Southern Europe, a key platform for promoting innovation, collaboration, and industry development, and a fundamental tool for capitalising on the framework offered by the Sustainable Mobility Act.
The 2026 edition, which will be held from 22 to 24 September at IFEMA MADRID, will be more global than the previous edition thanks to a 50% increase in international exhibitors. Manufacturers view the fair as a unique showcase to present innovations and establish strong relationships with public and private operators.
The bus sector in Spain is therefore at one of its best moments in history, marked by innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. FIAA 2026 will be a key event to reinforce these advances, generate business, attract investment, and consolidate Spain's leadership in the European collective mobility scene.