Aena's new fee and access controls spark transport protests at Tenerife South Airport

Aena introduced a system in January that restricts access to taxis and other discretionary vehicles at Tenerife South Airport by installing barriers and proximity‑card payment terminals. The measure requires drivers to pay a fee to enter the passenger‑pickup zone. The change has led to severe congestion, with queues lasting over 30 minutes and some vehicles trapped for more than half an hour, especially during a recent weekend when tourists were left waiting in the sun.

Transport operators estimate the new system costs about €6,000 per vehicle each month and complain about the loss of shaded waiting areas and basic facilities. Local authorities, including Cabildo president Rosa Dávila, mobility councilor Eulalia García, and Chamber of Commerce president Santiago Sesé, have demanded an immediate reversal, calling the measure unilateral, unplanned and profit‑driven. Business groups such as the Canary Islands employers’ federation (CEOE) and the tourism association Ashotel have also joined the protest, with some drivers threatening a strike.

Aena defends the policy, saying it follows requests from the Federation of Transporters, offers deferred payment options, and provides designated waiting bags rather than rest areas. The dispute continues to affect the island’s tourism image and transport services.