Major Investments Planned for Aena’s Airports in the Canary Islands
The eight airports managed by Aena in the Canary Islands are set to undergo significant renovations as part of the upcoming investment period from 2027 to 2031. This Thursday, the central government unveiled the investment plan proposed by Aena, which includes the refurbishment of the terminals at both Tenerife South and Tenerife North airports. This investment plan serves as a precursor to the Airport Regulation Document (DORA) for 2027-2031, which will outline all planned projects. The plan features works across all the airports in the Canary Islands, with total expenditures exceeding €800 million. Notably, the works at the two Tenerife airports alone are expected to reach this amount.
Tenerife South
According to the central government, the largest investment during this period will be at Tenerife South airport. Aena plans to invest €550 million in a comprehensive redesign of the terminal area. The intention is to increase the space by 50% through the “updating of the façade towards the access roads, a new check-in area, and remote boarding lounges,” alongside enhancements to capacity with the introduction of cutting-edge technology and an integrated architectural design for the terminal and its surroundings.
Tenerife North
At the other island airport, Tenerife North, the projects will be less extensive but will still amount to €250 million. The plan involves a 40% expansion of the terminal building. The works will focus on enlarging the check-in area and the number of counters, enhancing security checks in the building’s most critical areas, expanding the boarding area and increasing the number of gates, improving the baggage claim area and the number of conveyor belts, optimising parking distribution, and coordinating access to the airport with the TF-5 project, as explained by the central government.
César Manrique-Lanzarote
For César Manrique-Lanzarote airport, the planned works will focus on “expanding counters and the check-in area, upgrading security and passport controls, increasing waiting areas for boarding and the number of gates (creating two boarding zones, one for Schengen traffic and another for non-Schengen), enhancing the baggage claim area and conveyor belts, and improving passenger services.” Moreover, architectural redesign works will be implemented, featuring a new roof and improved indoor spaces. Accessibility and intermodality works are also expected, effectively doubling the current areas as the two terminals will be joined while maintaining a zone dedicated to inter-island flights, as is currently the case.
Gran Canaria
At Gran Canaria airport, the investments will focus on “adapting” the terminal to the new security checks featuring “state-of-the-art technology.” Structural improvements will include enhancing the façades and reconfiguring the arrivals hall, along with works related to parking. Furthermore, this new document will “consider the functional design during the initial phases of the projects, assessing the need for more extensive works going forward.”
Fuerteventura
For Fuerteventura airport, Aena plans to implement works to adapt the terminal to the new security checks with cutting-edge technology and to renew electromechanical installations. There will also be an analysis of whether further works are required in the future.
El Hierro
At El Hierro airport, Aena will carry out “works on the runway and platform (new parking positions), enhance safety and increase operational security (runway resurfacing), improve information and communication systems, and focus on sustainability: transitioning to LED lighting and renewing the filtration system.” An investment of €1 million is also projected to expand parking by 20%.
La Palma
Aena intends to invest in La Palma airport to improve processes and quality in the terminal area, carry out works on the runway and platform, enhance safety, and increase operational security (expanding the runway width), along with upgrades to information and communication systems and sustainability measures, including the renewal of wind turbines and soundproofing.
La Gomera
Lastly, at La Gomera airport, improvements are planned for “processes and quality in the terminal area, runway and platform works, safety enhancements, increased operational security (resurfacing the runway), and upgrades to information and communication systems.” Additionally, the installation of a photovoltaic solar park on airport grounds is anticipated, consisting of two solar plants, each occupying 0.59 hectares and having a nominal capacity of 0.499 MW (0.581 MWp).
