Canary Islands asks Anea to cut airport parking fees for residents by 75%

Parliament approves proposal

The plenary of the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved on Wednesday— with Vox abstaining— a non‑legislative proposal from the Popular Group urging Aena to set discounts for residents in the archipelago’s airport car parks.

Politicians’ reactions

“Flying in the Canary Islands is a necessity, and using the airport car park is a mandatory toll,” said Jacob Qadri, deputy of the Popular Group. “We request a 75 % discount on parking, just as residents already receive a discount on flights.”

Qadri also condemned what he called Aena’s “abuses,” stressing that “it is not normal for parking to cost more than the plane ticket.” “Canarians demand equality; we cannot keep paying tolls for our mobility,” he added.

Carmen Hernández (NC‑BC) warned that Aena “suffocates the islands with its high prices” when residents travel out of necessity. She called for a system of discounts or free parking that prioritises those travelling for health reasons, low‑income families, students, or workers on business trips.

Raúl Acosta, spokesperson for the Mixed Group (AHI), expressed skepticism that Aena will heed the chamber’s demands, noting that “this is not a whim—Canarians have no alternative but to fly.” He added, “Aena’s only interest is to pad its profit margins.”

Melodie Mendoza (ASG) pointed out that parking at La Gomera airport is free, unlike the port of San Sebastián, and argued that “we must find a way to lower prices, even if it isn’t easy.”

Paula Jover, deputy spokesperson for Vox, described the Canary Islands’ airports as “among the most profitable” and said they are “not properly attended,” adding that users are being “squeezed,” much like the buses that pick up tourists.

Like Qadri, Jover supports a 75 % discount but did not back the NC‑BC amendment because it would add bureaucracy in determining which groups qualify for the discounts.

Jonathan Martín (CC) called on Aena to review its parking rates, calling them “disproportionate” given the urgent medical, family, or work‑related travel needs of Canarians. “Leaving the car at the airport cannot be a luxury,” he said.

Marcos Bergaz, from the Socialist Group, admitted his party does not share all of Aena’s decisions, such as the parking price policy, recalling when the “free half‑hour” was removed during the PP government.

He also criticized the proposal’s “populist flavor,” noting it does not define the discount model and urging the Populars to demand the same price reductions for hospitals, which fall under the autonomous community’s competence.