Tenerife Business Group Slams Aena Fee Hike Amid Airport Neglect

People in the South of Tenerife are once again unhappy with Aena, the airport operator. Javier Cabrera, the head of the South Tenerife Business and Professionals Circle (CEST), is speaking out against a decision by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). This decision allows Aena to raise airport fees across Spain. Cabrera argues that this means people will have to pay more for airport facilities that are in poor condition and are harming the image of Tenerife and the Canary Islands.

Cabrera believes this is a particularly bad time for Tenerife South-Reina Sofía airport, which is vital for travel to and from the islands and is a major driver of tourism in the South. He says the airport is "in an unacceptable state of disrepair and neglect," with outdated interiors, serious maintenance issues, and an appearance that doesn't reflect a competitive destination, showing "years of delays and neglect."

The CEST president criticizes Aena, saying it acts inconsistently. He claims Aena behaves like a private company when it benefits them and like a public one when it suits them. Cabrera points out that Aena even pressured the Spanish government, making promised airport improvements conditional on the fee increase being approved. He feels this has been successful and is "deeply damaging to the Canary Islands."

The situation at Tenerife South airport is especially frustrating. Cabrera finds it "incomprehensible" that locals and tourists will face a 6.44% price hike when the airport has "many problems" and has needed significant investment for decades. He reminds us that Canary Islands airports have generated millions in profits for Aena over the years, yet Reina Sofía's modernization is still delayed.

Javier Cabrera insists this fee increase is "another hit to the wallets of residents and tourists." He argues it's unjustified for a profitable airport that clearly shows signs of neglect. "Instead of improving Tenerife South airport, we're being asked to pay more for facilities that should have been updated decades ago. It's an injustice for Tenerife, for the South, and for all the Canary Islands."

The CEST president highlights that the Canary Islands are completely reliant on air travel. "Connectivity is our lifeline. We cannot allow such crucial infrastructure in the South to continue looking neglected, nor for its poor condition to affect the destination's competitiveness and the experience of our visitors." He also mentions the "ongoing strain on airport service workers, who are involved in disputes over what they consider poor working conditions, with neither Aena nor the central government stepping in to resolve the issues."