“We may not have the new terminal project that we sought and deserved, but we shall have one that befits the island,” summarised José Fernando Cabrera, president of the Friends of the South of Tenerife (Fast), reflecting the sentiments of local business groups concerning the proposals submitted by Aena for Tenerife Sur airport.
“Although it is not the terminal that Tenerife warrants, similar to those being constructed at major tourist spots worldwide, the outdated existing terminal will see significant improvements; it will be operational, comfortable, secure, very light, and will feature some greenery,” he added.
According to José Fernando Cabrera, the project demonstrates “the success of the efforts made by the presidents of the Cabildo, Carlos Alonso, Pedro Martín, and Rosa Dávila, alongside the continual advocacy efforts from the Forum of Friends of the South of Tenerife, the Circle of Entrepreneurs and Professionals from the south of Tenerife (CEST), Ashotel, and the Chamber of Commerce.”
Another key point he emphasised was “the commitment from AENA, supported by the Civil Aviation Director, is that it will be integrated into the Dora III, scheduled to be carried out between 2027 and 2031.”
The president and CEO of AENA, Maurici Lucena, announced an investment of 550 million Euros at Tenerife Sur airport to “modernise its facilities and enhance its operational processes, incorporating new technologies and architecturally integrating the lower terminal. This will increase the influx of natural light. The project is set to transform the airport into a symbolic representation of the island, aligned with the destination it serves,” Aena conveyed in a statement.
Ashotel regarded it as noteworthy that “Aena acknowledges the existing deficit, particularly at Tenerife Sur, which ranks as the seventh busiest airport in terms of operations within the entire Spanish network. They urge the airport management to develop airports into facilities that the Canary Islands deserve as a first-rate destination.”
Its president, Jorge Marichal, calls upon the state-owned enterprise “to develop South Tenerife into the airfield it deserves,” as “the primary airport in Tenerife has not met expectations; it does not provide the infrastructure that a tourist destination like Tenerife warrants.” He cautioned that “there are 800 million Euros anticipated for the island (an additional 250 million Euros for Tenerife North Airport), which should not have a detrimental effect on the upcoming elevation, as this would undermine our tourist competitiveness.”
