Lanzarote and Tenerife North airports are nearing their maximum operating capacity due to increased passenger traffic, according to the latest figures. They are both struggling to cope with growing numbers of tourists and domestic travellers, which is putting pressure on infrastructure.
The César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, which has a maximum capacity of nine million passengers per year according to the 2022-2026 Airport Regulation Document (DORA), saw a total of 8,213,259 passengers in 2023.
This puts the airport at 91.26% of its maximum capacity, with only 786,741 passengers left before it reaches its limit. The majority of traffic comes from European countries such as the UK and Germany, with significant domestic travel from Gran Canaria, Tenerife North, and Madrid.
Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos) is even closer to its limit, operating at 94.16% of capacity. In 2023, it handled 6,120,505 passengers, nearing its maximum of 6.5 million. This is a minimal difference of 379,495 passengers before reaching full capacity. Tenerife North also faces pressure on its cargo facilities, handling 11,561 tons of cargo, just shy of its 14,500-ton limit.
Despite these growing numbers, plans to expand or restructure the airports are still in their early stages. According to sources from Aena, both airports are in the process of drafting redesign projects to increase capacity, but progress is slow due to bureaucratic delays.
The situation reflects broader challenges for the Canary Islands, where air travel remains the primary mode of transportation due to their geographical isolation. The increasing number of tourists, over 14 million in 2023, combined with local travel for work and leisure, has placed significant strain on the islands' airports.
Other airports in the region are also feeling the pressure, with El Hierro ranked as the third most congested, despite its small population, and Gran Canaria ranking fifth in terms of passenger load.
