Concern Grows Over Fuerteventura’s Transport Links
Asamblea Majorera–Coalición Canaria Fuerteventura has highlighted a lack of response from the Spanish government regarding the maritime route between Cádiz and Puerto del Rosario. They are also alarmed by recent price hikes for the inter-island connection between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
The party warns that the loss of the Cádiz route worsens Fuerteventura’s connectivity, intensifying the island’s isolation. Presently, the only option for importing goods from the mainland is via Lanzarote or Gran Canaria.
For instance, ferries from Lanzarote arrive at Arrecife at 18:00, but with the departure from Playa Blanca at 19:00, timing makes timely travel to Fuerteventura nearly impossible.
Moreover, the cost of transporting goods from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Puerto del Rosario has surged by 78%. Previously, transporting a load cost €46.28, but it now stands at €82.40. In contrast, the fare between Las Palmas and Arrecife remains around €98.
This price increase significantly impacts local businesses requiring regular transport, ultimately passing the cost onto consumers and raising product prices.
Asamblea Majorera stressed that these changes particularly burden companies relying on frequent goods transport on Fuerteventura, jeopardising their operations and competitiveness.
In response, the Canarian Parliament passed a motion in June advocating for the reinstatement of the Cádiz-Puerto del Rosario route. Both the Canarian government and local authorities have reached out to the Transport Ministry for answers, but they have yet to receive a response.
The party demands equal logistical conditions and continuous maritime services that have historically made Puerto del Rosario a vital link between Fuerteventura and the rest of the Canary Islands and the mainland.
In recent years, the major port has handled over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, underscoring its strategic role. The loss of maritime connectivity could hinder the port’s development and deter investment in an already challenged island.
To address these issues, Puerto del Rosario’s Mayor, David de Vera, and the island’s president, Lola García, have expressed concerns regarding the termination of a Public Service Obligation contract with ferry operator Armas Trasmediterránea, which ended on June 30, 2026, following an extraordinary one-year extension.
On June 18, the Fuerteventura Cabildo and Puerto del Rosario council raised their concerns with the Las Palmas Port Authority about the loss of the Cádiz route. During a recent board meeting, the Port Authority president committed to urging the Transport Ministry to restore the maritime connection as soon as possible.
