Traffic Chaos at Tenerife South Airport Sparks Criticism
Tenerife South Airport experienced significant traffic disruption this weekend due to new regulations limiting access for passenger transport vehicles to loading zones. The Hotel and Extra-Hotel Association of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro (Ashotel) expressed concern over the situation, calling it a result of AENA’s public policies, which they claim prioritise revenue over improved services.
Ashotel president Jorge Marichal described the situation as “permanent harassment and a lack of proper investment.” He accused AENA of focusing on maximising profits, despite being largely publicly owned.
AENA had previously announced a new charge for passenger transport vehicles, which was delayed due to pushback from transport sector stakeholders. As a temporary solution, an off-airport waiting area was set up for vehicles, which must now pass through a barrier to access the terminal, with a time limit of one hour to pick up or drop off passengers. This change resulted in congestion as passengers waited in the sun for their transport.
Marichal emphasised the need for local authorities to regain control over airport operations in the Canary Islands. He argued that these facilities are critical to the region’s economy and tourism, and that decisions should reflect this significance rather than just profit motives.
In December, Ashotel had already criticised AENA for proposing access charges without offering new services or alternatives, as seen in other busy tourist airports like Palma de Mallorca. They argued that the measures are arbitrary and unfairly disadvantage certain tourist destinations.
Ashotel and the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs (FET) shared concerns that this regulation would lead to a poorer experience for tourists, with buses facing reduced waiting times and increased congestion at the arrivals terminal.
Ashotel also highlighted that this decision was made without prior consultation with the tourism sector, which is essential for efficient visitor mobility on islands with limited transport options. They called for the immediate suspension of the new charge and sought a collaborative approach to find solutions that benefit tourists and transport services, urging AENA to stop its purely revenue-driven policies.
