Fundación Maldita.es has received a Special Mention at the 16th Juan de la Cierva y Hoces Journalism Awards, organised by Aviación Digital, in recognition of the fact-checking work carried out by its team. The award highlights the importance of verification in highly specialised fields, where technical complexity and the rapid spread of online content can contribute to the circulation of misleading interpretations, conspiracy theories and false information.
The jury, chaired by Yovanna Blanco and composed of Javier Magariño, Mikel Alcázar and Juan Zafra, highlighted the importance of fact-checking in a sector that, according to the organisers, "requires technical accuracy, operational context and particular caution, especially when addressing incidents, operational safety or emerging technologies." The Special Mention recognises both the work of the Fundación Maldita.es team and, in particular, Maribel Ángel-Moreno, coordinator of Maldito Clima.
Fact-checking misinformation about aviation and climate
Among the entries submitted by Fundación Maldita.es were investigations and fact-checks focused on the climate impact of aviation and on misinformation surrounding aircraft contrails.
Maldita.es has worked to debunk conspiracy theories such as the "chemtrails" narrative, which falsely claims that aircraft deliberately disperse harmful chemicals through their contrails. Its work also includes explainers on the real climate impact of aviation, as well as fact-checks debunking false claims about supposed changes in contrails allegedly driven by public figures, and claims about aircraft spraying metallic nanoparticles or silver iodide over the population.
Recognition for specialised journalism
The Juan de la Cierva y Hoces Journalism Awards were established by Aviación Digital in 2010 to recognise and promote Spanish-language journalism specialising in aviation, aerospace and space. Following the death of engineer and inventor Juan de la Cierva y Hoces in 2020, the awards adopted their current name in tribute to his contribution to technological and aeronautical innovation.
The 16th edition received nearly 40 entries across categories including print journalism, radio, television, podcasts, video blogs and science communication. According to the organisers, the quality and diversity of the submissions reflect the strength of Spanish-language aviation journalism and its ability to address the major challenges facing a rapidly evolving sector.
This year's Juan de la Cierva y Hoces Aviación Digital Award was presented to Cadena SER journalist Eduardo Hernández for his report "Aircraft Piloted by a Human and an AI: Would You Fly on One?", which the jury described as raising "a highly relevant debate for commercial aviation" about the future of artificial intelligence in aircraft operations. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to La Razón economics journalist Roberto López Vargas in recognition of his extensive coverage of the aviation sector.
The award ceremony took place on 25 June at the facilities of the Real Aero Club de España in Cuatro Vientos, Madrid.