The Canary Islands had a record-breaking summer in terms of air traffic and passenger numbers, marking a significant milestone for Spanish aviation. During August 2024, AENA-managed airports handled over 32 million passengers, a 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Among the standout performers were the airports of Lanzarote, Tenerife North, Gran Canaria, and El Hierro, all setting historic passenger records.
Between June and August, Spanish airports welcomed 93.5 million passengers, an 8.5% rise from 2023. From January to August, over 208 million passengers travelled through these airports, reflecting a 10.1% growth year-on-year.
In the Canary Islands, airports like Lanzarote, Tenerife North, and El Hierro achieved unprecedented figures. Gran Canaria alone received 1.2 million passengers in August, a 7.8% increase, while Tenerife Sur saw a 14.7% surge with over 1 million passengers.
The airports in the Canary Islands also saw a rise in flight operations. In August, Gran Canaria handled 11,216 flights, a 6.3% increase, while Tenerife North and El Hierro recorded record numbers of flights, driven by growing demand for travel to and from the islands.
Both international and domestic tourism played key roles in this increase. Of the 32 million commercial passengers in Spain during August, 22.5 million were on international flights, up 9.6% from the previous year. This increase greatly benefited the Canary Islands, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations.
The influx of passengers has also had a positive economic impact on the Canary Islands, boosting employment and activity in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tourism services. The rise in visitors underlines the islands’ importance as strategic hubs for both tourism and economic growth.
With this record-breaking summer behind them, the outlook for Canary Islands airports remains strong. The islands continue to attract large numbers of tourists due to their favourable climate, diverse attractions, and well-managed airports. This success reinforces the Canary Islands' position as a top-tier tourist destination and a key player in the recovery and growth of Spain’s tourism sector.
