For the price of a couple of airport coffees, you could become the owner of a twin-engine aircraft—at least in theory. Spain's airport and air-navigation manager Aena has put a Piper PA-23 Apache up for public auction after it was legally declared abandoned at Seville Airport. Bids start at €10, plus a deposit of €0.50.
How a Plane Ends Up Abandoned
The aircraft has been sitting at Seville Airport since at least 2018, according to Aena's press office. The airport operator tried repeatedly to contact the owner but received no response. As a result, the airport announced the situation three times in Spain's Official State Gazette, giving the owner a chance to come forward. When no one did, the plane was declared abandoned and put up for auction.
“We have tried to contact the owner many times,” an Aena spokesperson told Euronews Travel. “Since we didn’t manage to reach anyone, the airport announced the situation of this aircraft three times in the Official State Gazette, in case the owner came forward to claim it.”
The auction has generated significant public interest, with Aena receiving numerous emails since the announcement. Any individual, company, or institution can submit a bid by following the procedures outlined in the tender documents. The deadline for bids is specified in those documents, and the bid opening will take place at Seville Airport on a date to be announced after the submission period ends.
The Aircraft: A Piper PA-23 Apache
The Piper PA-23 Apache was first introduced in the 1950s by the Piper Aircraft Corporation. It was the American company's first twin-engine production aircraft and was considered affordable for its era. The all-metal plane can carry up to four people.
But before you start planning your next European getaway, there's a catch: the aircraft is in bad condition and cannot fly. Aena confirmed that the plane is not airworthy, so any buyer would need to transport it by other means—likely by truck or as a static display piece.
This is not the first time an abandoned aircraft has gone under the hammer in Europe. Airports across the continent occasionally deal with planes left behind by owners who can no longer afford storage fees or who have simply disappeared. The process of declaring an aircraft abandoned can take years, as authorities must exhaust all efforts to contact the owner before proceeding with an auction.
For aviation enthusiasts or collectors, the Piper PA-23 Apache could be a unique acquisition—perhaps as a restoration project or a conversation piece. However, the cost of moving and potentially restoring the aircraft could far exceed the initial bid price. Seville Airport, one of Spain's busiest hubs, handles millions of passengers annually and is a key gateway to Andalusia. The airport has seen significant growth in recent years, with airlines like Ryanair and Vueling expanding their operations there.
If you're interested in bidding, keep in mind that the auction is governed by Spanish law, and all bids must comply with the terms set by Aena. The deposit of €0.50 is a nominal fee, but the final price could rise depending on interest. As with any auction, it's wise to inspect the item before bidding—though in this case, the aircraft is likely in a restricted area of the airport.
For those who miss out on this auction, there are always other opportunities. Europe's aviation market is dynamic, with planes frequently changing hands. But few come with such a low starting price—or such a high chance of being a non-flying ornament.
