Yesterday, business leaders gave a cautious yet positive assessment of the forecast made by the Spanish Airport Agency and Air Navigation (AENA) regarding an investment of approximately 800 million euros for the refurbishment projects of the two airports in Tenerife from 2027 to 2031, with documentation set to be completed this year.
Of this budget, which the national agency will present to the central government, 550 million euros will be allocated to modernising the facilities at Tenerife Sur, incorporating new technologies and achieving architectural coherence of the terminal under a unified roof to allow for greater natural light ingress.
For Tenerife Norte, the anticipated investment is around 250 million euros aimed at enhancing service quality and passenger transit efficiency, while preserving the building’s architectural uniqueness, as clarified by the state agency.
The hotel association, Ashotel, appreciates the projected investment by the state airport operator, though it expresses hope that it won’t lead to an increase in airfares, which, according to its representatives, would threaten Tenerife’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.
“It has been acknowledged that the airports on the island have fallen behind, therefore it is also crucial to anticipate a significant increase in the number of operations, and that the facilities at Tenerife Sur have reached their capacity limits,” stated a spokesperson.
Marichal also urged AENA to review parking charges: “It is unreasonable to demand more than 60 euros for two days of parking, as it might seem paradoxical that it costs more than an airline ticket.” Additionally, he called for “urgent measures” to facilitate the arrival of British tourists, emphasising the constraints of being a non-Schengen zone and pressing local public institutions to “eliminate the long queues for taxis at Tenerife South and, occasionally, at Tenerife North.”
José Fernando Cabrera, president of the Forum of Friends of the South of Tenerife (FAST) and one of the most vocal critics of the existing southern terminal, conveyed to this publication that, “while this project may not meet all of Tenerife’s expectations, it significantly upgrades the outdated current terminal, resulting in a more operational, comfortable, safe, and well-lit space with some greenery.” In his view, “the airport may not be everything we wished for and deserve, but it will be respectable.”
Cabrera expressed gratitude for the efforts made by former Cabildo presidents Carlos Alonso (CC) and Pedro Martín (PSOE), as well as the current president, Rosa Dávila (CC), recognising the “ongoing demands” from various local groups including Ashotel, the South Entrepreneurs Circle (CEST), and the Chamber of Commerce.
In this vein, Javier Cabrera, president of the Circle of Entrepreneurs and Professionals of the South (CEST), also noted, “The investment is undoubtedly good news and a testament to the achievements of business associations, civil society in Tenerife, and the administration that have united for the rightful claim of the airport that the island deserves,” he told this publication. However, Cabrera reminded that the renovation is included in Dora III, covering 2027-2031, “and issues like security and passport control that ensure smoother transit for non-community passengers require immediate attention.”
Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo, differentiated yesterday the imminent redevelopment of Tenerife airports, which she termed a “historic demand,” with a request for mass tourism: “It will not merely enhance service; it will better position the island as a destination.” In this context, she reiterated the intentions of “improving operations, functionality, incorporating sustainability, security, and also preparing for regulatory changes in security that may arise.”
The island’s vice-president, Lope Afonso (PP), stated that “it is essential to distinguish between passengers and visitors, who arrive for a specific holiday and then return,” indicating a “different dynamic” at each airport due to an increase in air traffic in the north linked to transportation benefits for residents.
Former president Pedro Martín asserted yesterday that the investment announced in Tenerife by Maurici Lucena is a culmination of efforts made during his presidency from 2019 to 2023. “We held numerous discussions with AENA to enhance the Tenerife airports, but not just to introduce superficial fixes; it was about improving the quality and services provided at the airports.” Martín emphasised that their objective was not only to attract more tourists but to ensure better services. “That is how we secured that 800 million euros,” he concluded.
