A new £697million project is set to revive airports in the Canary Islands despite locals’ requests to authorities to tackle mass tourism. The Spanish government has confirmed that all Aena airports on the islands will undergo major works.
The eight airports (Tenerife Sur, Tenerife Norte, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera) are part of an investment programme, with work expected to start in 2027 and last until 2031. Tenerife Sur will receive the largest investment of £479million for extensive upgrades, including expanding terminal space by 50%, adding new check-in areas, boarding gates, and modernised facilities. Tenerife Norte will get £217million to enlarge the terminal by 40%, adding more check-in counters, security, boarding gates, and baggage claim. Lanzarote will undergo expansion by combining the two terminals under one roof and adding new check-in areas, passport control points, baggage claim, and facilities. Gran Canaria will adapt its terminal with new high-tech security checks, exterior, arrivals hall, and parking facilities.
The airport in Fuerteventura will receive upgrades to security technology and building services, while future expansions are being considered. The air hub in El Hierro will get £870,000 to increase the car park capacity by 20%, as well as more to resurface pavements, upgrade communications, and add sustainability measures.
La Palma will see investment to improve runway safety and the terminal, and to reduce noise and add renewable energy sources, such as new wind turbines. La Gomera, on the other hand, will benefit from upgrades to its runway surface, terminal processes, safety systems, and IT infrastructure, as well as the installation of a new solar park on airport land.
The Spanish government said that these investments will improve passenger experience and strengthen the Canary Islands’ role as a key international hub for tourism and inter-island connectivity.
This comes after a year and a half of protests in Spain against overtourism, particularly in the Balearics, the Canaries, Barcelona, and Málaga. These first three locations are the top three most visited by tourists in Spain.
The number of visitors to Spain has significantly increased after the travel bans enforced during the pandemic were lifted. Locals believe that, rather than sustaining the locations, the overtourism has contributed to a reduced quality of life and increased cost of living for residents.
In April of last year, up to 50,000 people joined a protest in the Canary Islands, calling for a temporary limit on tourism until legislation to combat the negative effects of overtourism could be introduced.
