Santa Cruz de Tenerife Chamber Voices Strong Opposition to Aena’s New Airport Bus Parking Fees

On December 16, 2023, Santiago Sesé, the President of the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, publicly condemned Aena’s recently announced parking fees for buses at the islands’ airports. His remarks reflect a growing concern among local businesses and transport operators regarding the financial implications of this decision.

Financial Burden on Local Transport Companies

Sesé characterized the newly proposed fees as an act of extortion, arguing that they would impose a substantial financial burden on transport companies operating within the Canary Islands. He expressed deep concern that the fee structure would lead to a significant increase in operational costs, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers. This, he believes, would unfairly penalize local businesses and residents who rely on these transport services.

The new fees are set to take effect in January 2024, starting with Tenerife South and Lanzarote airports, with plans to extend to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura in the near future. This phased implementation is expected to result in thousands of euros in additional monthly expenses for transport operators. Sesé warned that such financial strain could further jeopardize the already fragile tourism sector, which is a cornerstone of the Canary Islands’ economy.

Logistical Challenges and Environmental Implications

In his address, Sesé did not limit his critique to financial aspects; he also raised concerns about the logistical and environmental ramifications of the new fees. He pointed out that imposing such charges could deter the use of collective transport options, which are crucial for promoting sustainable travel practices over the reliance on private vehicles. This shift away from public transport could lead to increased traffic congestion and pollution, undermining the islands’ efforts to maintain their natural beauty and appeal as a tourist destination.

Moreover, Sesé emphasized the urgent need for improvements in airport infrastructure and services. Despite the high passenger volumes and profitability of the Canary Islands’ airports, he noted that necessary investments in facilities and services have been lacking. He criticized Aena for prioritizing revenue generation over the enhancement of passenger experiences and operational efficiency, suggesting that a more balanced approach is needed to support both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Advocating for Alternative Solutions

Recognizing the economic pressures faced by the tourism sector, Sesé called for a reevaluation of the proposed fees and urged Aena to explore alternative operational solutions that would not lead to increased costs for transport companies. One of his key suggestions was the establishment of designated waiting areas at airports, akin to those found at other national airports, where passenger transport vehicles could wait free of charge before picking up passengers. This approach could alleviate some of the financial burdens while still ensuring that transport services remain available and efficient.

This proposal has received backing from the Federation of Transport Companies of the Canary Islands and the Chamber of Commerce of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Both organizations advocate for measures that take into account the broader implications for the tourism value chain and the long-term sustainability of the destination. They emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where the needs of transport operators, local businesses, and tourists are all considered in decision-making processes.

Key points

• Santiago Sesé, President of the Chamber of Commerce, criticized Aena’s new bus parking fees.
• The fees are set to be implemented in January 2024, starting at Tenerife South and Lanzarote airports.
• Transport companies could face thousands of euros in additional monthly costs due to these fees.
• Sesé described the fees as a form of extortion that harms the local economy.
• He called for alternative solutions to avoid increasing costs for transport operators.
• Support for the proposed solutions comes from local transport organizations and the Chamber of Commerce.