A Madrid court refused to suspend a €64 million fine imposed against Airbnb over illegal tourist flat listings.

The High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) rejected the platform’s request to halt the penalty while the case is ongoing, meaning the sanction remains in force for now.

The fine, issued in December 2025 by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, relates to more than 65,000 listings found to be in breach of regulations.

According to the ministry, Airbnb advertised properties without valid tourist licences, displayed incorrect or misleading licence numbers and failed to clearly identify whether hosts were private individuals or businesses.

These practices were deemed misleading for consumers and in violation of regional laws, which require clear registration details for tourist rentals.

Authorities described the situation as serious and calculated the fine – €63.9 million – as six times the ‘illicit profit’ allegedly generated through these listings.

An additional €75,000 in penalties was added for further breaches, including failing to provide required information in contracts, refusing to cooperate with inspectors and ignoring official requests during the investigation.

Airbnb had appealed the fine and asked the court to suspend payment until a final ruling is made.

That request has now been denied.

The company can still file another appeal, but the decision signals a tough stance from Spanish authorities as they crack down on short-term rental platforms.