Tenerife Railway Project Stalls Amid Political Division Over Airport Terminal Deal
A new agreement to include a railway terminal at Tenerife South Airport has reignited debate over the project's necessity as local leaders remain divided on its strategic value and funding priorities.
A recent agreement between Aena and the Tenerife Island Council to include a railway terminal at the island's southern airport has reignited debate over the project’s necessity and strategic value. While the deal resolves a key technical hurdle for the route, the initiative remains stalled by a lack of political consensus among local municipalities.
This disagreement reveals a divide between island-wide planning and the immediate concerns of local leaders. While business groups like the Circle of Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Southern Tenerife (CEST) welcome the agreement as a vital step toward easing road congestion, many town councils argue that funding should be prioritized for essential services.
Candelaria’s mayor, Mari Brito, continues to oppose the project, citing concerns over its environmental impact and questioning whether a train is truly the best solution for the island’s transport issues. Other officials agree, urging a shift in priorities. In Granadilla de Abona, for example, leaders are calling for more investment in healthcare and education to keep pace with population growth.
Meanwhile, the Adeje town council has questioned the project's overall value. Acting mayor Epifanio Díaz expressed skepticism that a railway would solve daily traffic jams, instead calling for a more comprehensive mobility plan. He also pointed to past unfulfilled promises, such as the stalled project to bury the TF-1 highway as it passes through the municipality.
The current situation highlights a persistent tension between the Island Council’s long-term vision—supported by business leaders—and the priorities of local government. Even with the airport terminal issue resolved, the southern train project faces significant political and social hurdles before it can become a reality.