Lanzarote taxi system faces overhaul as airport queues expose outdated rules

Lanzarote’s taxi system needs to change, according to the island’s president, who says the current rules can leave passengers waiting at the airport while available taxis drive away empty.

Oswaldo Betancort has called for a more coordinated service across the island, arguing that the way taxis operate needs to be modernised to better serve both residents and holidaymakers.

Speaking at the World Travel Market in London, he highlighted the situation at Lanzarote Airport, where a taxi can drop off a passenger but may not be permitted to collect another fare, even when people are waiting, due to licence restrictions.

He said the situation was difficult for visitors to understand and that Lanzarote needed to improve its services if it wanted to remain a competitive holiday destination.

Why can’t every taxi pick up at the airport?

Taxis in Lanzarote are generally licensed by individual municipalities, with rules governing where they can collect passengers. This means a driver taking someone to the airport from another part of the island cannot necessarily join the airport taxi queue for a return fare.

The restrictions have been a source of frustration during busy periods, particularly when arriving passengers face queues while taxis that have just completed a journey leave without a customer.

Betancort believes Lanzarote’s fleet of more than 450 taxis is sufficient for the island, but says the vehicles need to be managed differently. He wants councils to work together and make better use of technology to improve how the service operates.

His comments are a call for change; he did not announce a date for a new island-wide system.

Airport and port rules have already changed

A new regulation covering Lanzarote Airport and the Port of Arrecife came into force on 15th October. It allows taxis from other municipalities to be brought in temporarily when extra vehicles are needed in these high-demand areas.

However, those reinforcements require an official decision by the Cabildo. The regulation does not mean every taxi can automatically collect passengers at the airport whenever it chooses.

The issue also affects residents. In Arrecife, a rota has been agreed for cruise ship days to help ensure that taxis remain available in the town as well as at the port. The arrangement is due to remain in place until 31st December.

For now, travellers arriving at the airport can continue to use the official taxi ranks or arrange a transfer in advance. Residents and visitors should check with their local taxi service when booking a journey, as services are still organised by municipality.