The Circle of Businessmen and Professionals of the South of Tenerife (CEST) has raised alarms about the severe traffic congestion at Tenerife South Airport during the Christmas season. In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the association demanded that AENA, the airport authority, take immediate responsibility for implementing solutions to address the challenges posed by high passenger volumes.
Traffic and Mobility Issues
CEST criticised the current state of Tenerife South Airport, describing its mobility management as “questionable.” According to the association, the airport’s inefficiencies:
- Create negative experiences for passengers upon arrival, tarnishing the destination’s reputation.
- Cause widespread disruption, affecting the TF-1 motorway, the island’s primary transport artery.
CEST President Javier Cabrera highlighted the scale of the problem:
“There have been days with over 100 flight arrivals, averaging 220 passengers per plane. That means more than 22,000 passengers exiting the airport, plus those departing the island. This volume demands effective and efficient management.”
He further emphasised the distress caused to visitors:
“Private buses leave up to 2.5 hours late, and queues for transport can exceed 1.5 hours, leaving visitors frustrated and desperate to leave the airport.”
Inadequate Services and High Prices
CEST also highlighted the subpar quality of services at Tenerife South Airport, stating:
- Airport services do not match the high expectations of Tenerife’s international visitors or the prestige of the destination.
- The tourist experience is damaged from the very start of visitors’ stays.
Additionally, CEST called for a review of:
- Car park pricing: Advocating for more accessible rates to encourage wider use.
- Catering services: Demanding better alignment between prices and quality, with claims that current offerings are overpriced for their low quality.
Engagement with the Canary Islands Government
Javier Cabrera praised the Canary Islands Government, particularly Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Francisco González, for their involvement in addressing these issues. González has actively relayed some of CEST’s key concerns to AENA.
However, Cabrera expressed frustration at AENA’s dismissive attitude:
“We are deeply concerned to see the company deny nearly all the issues identified by local stakeholders around the airport.”
Urgent Need for Action
The statement concluded with a renewed call for AENA to:
- Acknowledge the challenges at Tenerife South Airport.
- Implement immediate measures to ensure smooth mobility and enhance passenger experiences.
As Tenerife remains one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, resolving these issues is seen as critical for maintaining its reputation and ensuring the region’s long-term success in the tourism sector.
