Aena to invest €13 billion in state airports

In Fuerteventura, the terminal will be upgraded to new, state‑of‑the‑art security controls and other works

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, announced on Thursday a proposal to invest roughly €13 billion in Aena‑managed airports between 2027 and 2031, so that the facilities can “adapt to growing demand.”

This represents the largest investment in the network in decades. In the Canary Islands, the two airports on Tenerife will lead the programme, receiving about €800 million in total.

• Tenerife South Airport – €550 million will fund a complete remodel of the terminal area, boosting passenger experience with almost a 50 % increase in floor space (new façade facing the roads, a new check‑in zone and remote boarding lounges), higher capacity, new technologies and an integrated architectural design.
• Tenerife North – La Laguna City Airport – €250 million will expand the terminal building, providing enough capacity for the expected traffic surge, improving processes and adding more than 40 % of new floor area.

Specific upgrades include:

• Expansion of the check‑in area and number of counters
• Enlargement of security checkpoints in the most emblematic part of the building
• Bigger boarding zones and more gates
• Larger baggage‑claim hall and additional conveyor belts
• Functional redesign of parking areas
• Improved airport access coordinated with the TF‑5 project

REFORM IN LANZAROTE

During the 2027‑2031 period, significant works will also be carried out at César Manrique‑Lanzarote Airport, such as:

• Expansion of check‑in counters and area
• Enlargement of security and passport controls
• Bigger waiting areas for boarding and more gates, creating separate Schengen and non‑Schengen boarding zones
• Larger baggage‑claim hall and conveyor system
• Enhanced passenger services

Architecturally, the airport will be transformed into a new landmark for the island, featuring a single roof, upgraded interior image, improved accessibility and intermodality. Current spaces will almost double, and the two terminals will be linked while preserving a dedicated zone for inter‑island flights.

GRAN CANARIA

Gran Canaria Airport, whose building already grew by 68,000 m² in previous works (from 105,000 m² to 173,000 m²), will see:

• Adaptation of the terminal to the latest security technologies
• Facade upgrades and a reconfigured arrivals hall
• Parking‑area improvements

The DORA (Development and Operational Plan) will also include a functional design phase to assess whether deeper interventions will be needed later.

FUERTEVENTURA

At Fuerteventura Airport, more than €237 million were invested in a previous Modernisation and Expansion Plan. The upcoming quinquennium will focus on:

• Upgrading the terminal to new, high‑tech security controls
• Renovating electromechanical installations
• Evaluating the need for further major works in future plans

MORE THAN ONE MILLION IN EL HIERRO

For El Hierro Airport, the plan foresees:

• Works on the airfield and platform, including a new parking position
• Safety upgrades and operational security enhancements (pavement regeneration)
• New information and communication systems
• Sustainability measures such as LED lighting and upgraded drainage

Additionally, over €1 million will be spent to expand the parking lot, increasing spaces by roughly 20 % and refurbishing the existing area.

LA PALMA

At La Palma Airport, proposed actions include:

• Process and quality improvements in the terminal area
• Airfield and platform upgrades
• Safety enhancements and operational security (runway strip widening)
• New information and communication systems
• Sustainability projects, including wind‑turbine renewal and acoustic insulation

Previous investments covered a new terminal, a new control tower, an automated baggage‑treatment system, a new SEI building and an expanded power plant, totaling €225 million.

LA GOMERA

The 2027‑2031 outlook for La Gomera Airport comprises:

• Process and quality upgrades in the terminal
• Airfield and platform works
• Safety improvements and operational security (runway surface renewal)
• New information and communication systems

A photovoltaic plan has also been designed, featuring a solar park with two solar farms, each covering 0.59 ha and delivering a nominal power of 0.499 MWₙ (0.581 MWₚ).

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Regulated investments will be discussed following Aena’s proposal in a mandatory consultation process with airlines, as stipulated by Law 18/2014.

The proposals will also be presented to the Airport Coordination Committee of each region, which includes representatives from national and local administrations as well as economic and social sectors, according to a government statement.

Once the consultation phase ends, the investment plan will be incorporated into the DORA for the 2027‑2031 period and will proceed through the necessary steps until final approval by the Council of Ministers.