The Tenerife South Airport is renowned for long taxi queues, which local officials attribute to traffic congestion on the TF-1 motorway rather than political and systemic inefficiencies.
Granadilla’s Councillor for Internal Affairs, David Santos, rejected a proposal from the Canary Islands Hotel Association (Ashotel) to declare the airport a "sensitive zone," arguing that such a move would disadvantage local taxi drivers.
Santos said that delays, often caused by heavy traffic on the TF-1, are extending what should be 30-minute taxi trips to as long as 90 minutes, hampering taxi operations. He stated that declaring the airport a sensitive zone would allow drivers from across the island to operate there, which he claims would "take jobs away from local taxi drivers in Granadilla, the municipality the airport is located in."
To address peak demand, Santos highlighted the current collaboration with taxis from neighbouring municipalities like Arona, Adeje, and even Santa Cruz. For instance, on Tuesday, November 12th, when the airport handled 32,000 passengers, 192 additional taxis from other areas bolstered the service, bringing the total to 370 licenced operators.
Similarly, on Sunday, November 10th, despite welcoming 37,000 passengers, a record-breaking 5,000 more than the earlier date, queues were minimal due to the absence of congestion on the motorway that day, because it was at the weekend.
Tourism Sector Criticises Taxi Licencing Restrictions
While the local government maintains its stance, Ashotel President Jorge Marichal described the situation as "lamentable," asserting that it negatively impacts both tourists and residents. Marichal criticised the licencing system, labelling it "absurd" that taxi drivers drop passengers at the departure terminal but are prohibited from picking up new ones because they don’t have a Granadilla licence.
The Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) echoed these concerns, citing the inefficiency of the Canary Islands' mobility management. They argue that the lack of a cohesive transport strategy affects public services and tarnishes the experience of visitors to the island.
Traffic and Seasonal Demand Continue to Pose Challenges
The airport regularly experiences significant passenger influx during peak flight arrival times, exacerbating the already strained taxi service. Santos and local officials point to the TF-1 highway's notorious traffic jams as the primary culprit behind the extended wait times. However, critics argue that better coordination and policy reforms could mitigate these issues.
As Tenerife South Airport remains a vital hub for tourism, resolving the taxi service challenges is crucial for the island’s reputation and economy. The debate highlights a broader need to balance local interests with the demands of a thriving tourism sector.
