Long, frustrating taxi queues at Tenerife South Airport have sparked outrage among tourists and residents, leading the president of Ashotel, Jorge Marichal, to express his deep dissatisfaction with the “unsustainable image” the situation presents for one of Spain’s top holiday destinations.
In a statement, Marichal criticised the inefficiency of the system, noting that taxis delivering passengers to the departures terminal are forced to return empty because they lack a municipal license from Granadilla de Abona, where the airport is located.
This, despite hundreds of people waiting for taxis at the arrival’s terminal, creates a glaring mismatch between demand and availability.
A Long-Standing Issue
Marichal highlighted that this problem is not new, emphasizing that it has persisted for years, particularly during peak travel seasons. “It’s absurd and ineffective. After hours of flying, travellers, both residents and tourists alike, are met with long, frustrating queues. Meanwhile, taxis drop off passengers and return empty simply because of licencing restrictions,” he stated.
In 2023, Ashotel urged Tenerife’s local government to declare the airport a "sensitive zone" to prioritise finding an immediate solution to these recurring taxi shortages. However, no substantial action has been taken.
Comparison with Other Airports
The hotel association has suggested adopting practices from major hubs like Madrid Barajas Airport, where a joint service area allows taxis from 54 municipalities to operate, ensuring consistent availability. Ashotel believes Tenerife South could benefit from similar measures to streamline services and alleviate congestion.
Marichal also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the current system. Forcing taxis to travel empty in one direction contradicts European goals for decarbonisation. “Transporting passengers in just one direction wastes resources, generates unnecessary pollution, and doubles traffic when a single trip would suffice,” he explained.
Proposed Solutions
To address these challenges, Ashotel has proposed several measures:
1. Broadening Taxi Licenses: Allow taxis from outside Granadilla de Abona to pick up passengers at the airport, removing the exclusivity tied to municipal licensing.
2. Flow Coordination: Introduce a "taxi flow coordinator" to monitor and manage demand in real-time, activating additional taxis from other regions when necessary.
3. Efficiency Indicators: Establish measurable indicators to guide decisions on expanding service areas and adjusting supply to meet demand.
A Shared Responsibility
Marichal reminded authorities that Tenerife South Airport, the seventh busiest in Spain, is a public facility funded by all taxpayers, not just residents of Granadilla de Abona. He urged authorities to take immediate action to enhance efficiency, ensure fairness, and improve the experience for all passengers.
As Tenerife faces mounting mobility challenges, resolving the taxi crisis at its main airport has become a crucial test of local governance and infrastructure management. Without swift action, the island risks damaging its reputation as a leading tourist destination.
