The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santiago Sesé, demands Aena immediately withdraw the fee for discretionary transport that is collapsing mobility at Tenerife South Airport. Weekend incidents have highlighted the chaos generated by this fee.
The president of the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santiago Sesé, has demanded that Aena withdraw the charge imposed on discretionary passenger transport at Tenerife South Airport. According to the Chamber, this measure is causing a collapse in the airport's mobility, with serious consequences for tourists and businesses in the sector.
Chaos at the airport over the weekend
During the past weekend, long waits and complications in passenger pick-ups multiplied. Sesé points out that the conditions established for the entry and stay of buses are complicating organisation, especially on days with high flight arrivals. “From the very beginning, we warned that this charge would impose an additional burden on companies and could end up affecting the operation of an essential service,” he states.
The Chamber president reminds that discretionary transport is key for tourism in the Canary Islands. “It makes no sense to put more obstacles in the way of companies that transport dozens of passengers together. In addition to increasing their costs, it is complicating an activity that helps reduce the number of private vehicles accessing the airport,” he explains.
Alternatives to manage traffic without costs
The Chamber proposes the creation of free waiting areas outside the pick-up area, similar to the “regulatory bags” that operate in other Spanish airports. This model would allow vehicles to wait for passengers' arrival in a designated space and subsequently access the terminal for a limited time and at no cost.
Sesé aligns himself with the Tenerife Cabildo and the tourism and transport sector. He demands that any changes related to transport access be worked on with the involved administrations and affected companies. “The solution cannot consist solely of charging more and shifting the problem to transporters,” he insists.
A detriment to Tenerife's tourist image
The president warns that the chaos at the airport damages the destination's image. “The Canary Islands need airports capable of responding to the volume of travellers they receive and management that facilitates economic activity. We ask that this fee be removed and replaced with an effective system, proportionate and agreed upon with those who provide this service daily,” he concludes.
For residents and workers in southern Tenerife, the collapse at the airport translates into delays in transfers and a worsening of the experience for both tourists and residents using discretionary transport. The Chamber insists that it is urgent to find a solution that does not harm businesses or passengers.
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