Long queues of transfer coaches are causing growing congestion outside Tenerife South Airport, with transport operators blaming a new charging system introduced by AENA for creating delays that are affecting holidaymakers.

According to the Federation of Transport Companies of the Canary Islands, coaches are now facing waits of more than 30 minutes to leave the airport, with the new operating rules leading to bottlenecks during busy arrival times.

New rules change how coaches collect passengers

The dispute centres on a new fee introduced by AENA for coach services operating at certain Canary Islands airports. The charge applies to vehicles transporting tourists between the airport and hotels and has been in force at Tenerife South and Lanzarote airports since 1st June, following a temporary delay to allow operators time to prepare.

Under the new system, coaches are no longer allowed to wait inside the airport grounds for arriving passengers.

Instead, they must remain in an external holding area until a tour operator representative confirms that all passengers have collected their luggage and the group is ready to go. Only then can the coach enter the designated pick-up zone.

Bus companies say facilities are inadequate

Transport companies argue that the system is unworkable because the paid pick-up area provides space for only around 30 coaches, while demand during peak periods can reach 85 to 90 vehicles.

José Ángel Hernández, Secretary General of the Federation of Transport Companies of the Canary Islands, said the industry's worst fears had become reality, describing the changes as rushed and focused more on generating revenue than improving operations.

He warned that the situation is likely to worsen when the winter tourist season begins in October.

Tourists left waiting in the sun

Operators say the new arrangements mean passengers now have to wait outside until their coach is allowed to enter, rather than boarding immediately as groups arrive.

For flights arriving from outside the Schengen Area, they say passport control can already add 90 to 120 minutes to passengers' journeys before they even reach the coach.

The federation also argues that expecting a coach to collect an entire holiday group within a few minutes is unrealistic, given the unpredictable nature of how airports operate.

Calls for changes

The transport sector is calling on AENA to create larger free waiting areas that reflect the airport's passenger numbers, install shaded shelters for waiting travellers and provide better facilities for professional drivers.

It says these improvements are essential to prevent further congestion and maintain a positive first impression for the millions of tourists arriving in Tenerife each year.