Holidaymakers arriving in Lanzarote are facing longer waits for transfer buses to their hotels following the introduction of a new charging system at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, with coach companies warning the situation could become much worse during the winter tourist season.

Since 1st July, coaches entering the airport's pick-up area have been required to pass through a barrier-controlled access point as part of Aena's new fee system. The change has forced tour operators to alter the way they collect passengers, resulting in delays of 20 to 30 minutes before some coaches even reach the terminal.

The Federation of Transport Businesses (FET) says the new arrangements are already affecting the visitor experience and fears they could lead to much longer waits once winter flight schedules begin.

Why are the delays happening?

Previously, passengers boarded their transfer coach as they exited the arrivals terminal. Now, tour operators have to wait until everyone from the same flight has collected their luggage and assembled before calling the coach to the airport.

Because Lanzarote Airport has no free holding area where coaches can wait nearby, drivers must remain at company depots, industrial estates or other locations until they receive the call to collect passengers.

That journey back to the airport can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, leaving newly arrived visitors waiting outside the terminal.

The Secretary General of the FET, José Ángel Hernández, said the lack of suitable waiting space is at the heart of the problem. "Lanzarote has no free holding area and the airport's infrastructure is very limited. Coaches have to wait elsewhere until they're called."

Winter could bring bigger problems

The transport federation believes the current system is unsustainable as passenger numbers continue to grow.

With thousands more visitors expected during the winter season, operators fear transfer delays could become commonplace unless changes are made.

The industry has already raised its concerns with AENA, the Canary Islands Government and local authorities, calling for the barrier system to be withdrawn or for a dedicated free waiting area to be created for coaches.

According to the federation, airports elsewhere in Spain that operate similar charging systems also provide large free holding areas for tourist coaches. Lanzarote currently has none.

Industry fears damage to Lanzarote's reputation

Although complaints from visitors remain relatively low, transport operators warn that longer waits could affect tourists' first impressions of the island.

"Our service has always been known for its high standards," Hernández said. "After a flight of three, four or even five hours, people don't expect to spend another 30 to 60 minutes waiting for their transfer."

The federation also questions AENA's justification that the new system is intended to improve traffic management, arguing that no significant improvements have been made to the airport's infrastructure or coach facilities.

Transport companies are urging AENA to review the scheme before delays become a regular feature for the hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers arriving in Lanzarote each year.