Aena Launches €550 Million Renovation Project for Tenerife South Airport
Airport operator Aena has launched a 550 million euro tender to modernize Tenerife South Airport through a decade-long renovation project aimed at unifying its infrastructure and improving passenger experience.
Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is set for a major transformation, with airport operator Aena officially launching the tender for a massive renovation project. With a budget of over 550 million euros, the plan aims to modernize the island’s primary gateway, improving both its functionality and appearance.
The project will take place over the next decade, divided into four main phases. Of the total budget, 464 million euros is earmarked for the terminal building, while 48.4 million will go toward expanding parking. The goal is to unify the airport’s infrastructure, which has grown in a fragmented way since the 1970s. To ensure the airport remains fully operational during construction, Aena has planned 57 sub-phases to avoid disrupting air traffic.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn of 2027, with work continuing through 2036. This project is part of a broader 1.8 billion euro investment Aena has committed to the Canary Islands over the next five years.
Technically, the renovation will focus on connecting the three existing terminal buildings—dating from the 70s, 80s, and 2022—into one cohesive, accessible, and sustainable space. Key features include:
- A new three-story parking garage with space for over 2,000 vehicles, designed to link with the future Southern train station.
- An expanded check-in area featuring 125 counters.
- An advanced baggage handling system.
- A partial reconstruction of the oldest terminal building to house a new arrivals area and a centralized passport control for non-Schengen flights.
Aena officials emphasize that the project is not intended to increase passenger numbers, but rather to improve the overall quality of the user experience. A new "Intermodal Rambla" will serve as the centerpiece of the design, streamlining the flow between public transport, rental cars, and passengers.
While the project marks a significant step forward, it has also sparked political discussion regarding infrastructure management in the Canary Islands. Some local leaders are calling for more long-term planning, while others have raised concerns about how airport investments are distributed across the region. With an environmental assessment still to be completed, this renovation stands as the most complex technical challenge in Tenerife’s aviation history.