Plans to extend operating hours at Tenerife North Airport have triggered a wave of opposition from residents in more than 15 surrounding neighbourhoods, who warn the move will damage their health and quality of life.
The group, known as the Coordinadora Vecinal de Afectados por el Aeropuerto Tenerife Norte, is challenging proposals backed by Binter Airlines and being considered by airport operator Aena and the Cabildo. The plans would see airport operations extended by an hour, running from 6:00am until midnight.
Locals say they're already struggling with noise from planes, and fear longer hours will only make the problem worse. They’ve been backed by the La Laguna City Council, with Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez saying the proposed expansion would “significantly degrade the quality of life” for those living near the airport and reduce property values.
“This government firmly opposes the expansion,” he said. “Every additional plane overhead is another blow to the peace of these neighbourhoods.”
The mayor and councillors are now working alongside the residents’ group on a joint strategy to oppose the changes and to push for stronger noise mitigation measures, including soundproofing to local properties and road safety improvements.
But residents have criticised the soundproofing measures already offered by Aena, describing the window seals provided as ineffective. They’ve also raised concerns that tenants in rental properties are missing out, as landlords often don’t apply for the support.
Pedro Yumar, president of the Airam Neighbourhood Association, said the issue was “about public health”, not just convenience. He pointed to guidance from the World Health Organisation that warns prolonged exposure to noise above 55 decibels can lead to sleep disorders, higher risks of heart disease, and increased stress.
La Laguna Council is now drawing up a new Noise Action Plan to tackle acoustic pollution more broadly. Councillor for the Environment, Domingo Galván, said: “Noise is not just an annoyance, it’s a serious health concern.”
The complaints don’t end with noise. Parking has become another major issue, with airport passengers parking in nearby residential streets to avoid high fees at official airport car parks. In the district of San Lázaro, residents say it’s become nearly impossible to park or access their garages.
“People leave their cars for days at a time. If you’re elderly or need to get out in an emergency, it’s a real problem,” said one resident.
With opposition mounting and local authorities firmly in the residents’ corner, pressure is growing on Aena and the regional government to revisit the controversial proposal. For now, the battle over the skies above Tenerife North is far from over.
