Latest news with #Aena
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Spain's Aena net profit up 10.5% after airline passenger traffic grows
Advt Spanish airport operator Aena 's first-half net profit rose 10.5 per cent from the same period a year ago, it said on Wednesday, boosted by increased passenger traffic in the world's second-most visited country after the world's largest airport operator in terms of passenger numbers, made a net profit of €893.8 million ($1.03 billion) in the first six months of the year, just below the €904.2 million average of analysts' forecasts in an LSEG traffic increased 4.5 per cent year-on-year, with 150.6 million passengers passing through Aena's terminals in Spain during the first six months of the year, helping to boost the company's revenues by 9 per cent to €2.9 company also reported traffic growth of over 5 per cent at the airports it operates in Brazil and Spanish airports, Aena said that international traffic increased 6.5 per cent in the first half of the year, while domestic traffic rose 0.4 per 59 per cent of passengers arrived from Europe. Ryanair, the airline with the largest market share at 22 per cent, carried 6 per cent more passengers during this period. The number of tourists to Spain has provoked opposition from some local residents, causing the authorities to seek to ease the strain, while continuing to reap the economic benefits. Although Spain expects to break last year's record of 94 million international tourists, the country's new strategy involves attracting foreign tourists to places other than Spain's most popular beaches. It is also seeking to appeal to more long-haul tourists, who tend to spend commercial revenues grew by 10 per cent, driven by rents from duty-free shops, car rentals and passenger lounge services. Its income from flight-related businesses rose by 6 per cent. Aena has approved a 6.5 per cent increase in fees next year for airlines that will have to pay a maximum of €11.03 per passenger as the company aims to partly fund the expansion of the main airports in Madrid and Barcelona to accommodate more flights from Asia and the Americas.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Palma Airport strikes due to kick off this week in latest holiday blow for Brits
The protest at Palma Airport is expected to bring services to a halt on Friday, with staff complaining about "suffocating" working conditions in the latest holiday blow for Brits Majorca airport is bracing for a "total standstill" as staff are set to stage a major protest that threatens to grind services to a halt on Friday. Angry workers have announced plans for a significant demonstration, aiming to bring the airport to a standstill in a way that could result in flight cancellations, extensive queues, and delays affecting both domestic and international routes. The union has advised travellers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to verify their flight status with their airlines. To add to the aviation woes, air traffic in Majorca experienced substantial delays since early morning, following a night of heavy rainfall and strong winds across the northwestern Mediterranean. Bad weather is also forecast for tomorrow morning, potentially doubling up the chaos caused by the strikes. The airport employees, united under the UGT trade union banner, are protesting against "suffocating" working conditions. They are calling for the establishment of a negotiation group that includes Spain's airport authority Aena, the government, and representatives of the workforce. UGT has scheduled a three-hour protest at Palma Airport on July 25 to highlight what they call a "situation of unsustainable precariousness" within the Balearic air sector. The demonstration aims to draw attention to the poor working conditions that they allege are unacceptable. Although the July 25 protest will be limited in time, the organizers do not rule out further action if there is no progress. This worries airport authorities and airlines, as Son Sant Joan Airport is one of the busiest in Europe during the summer months. The unions argue that external companies providing various services are "abusing" workers' rights. They assert that employees are mistreated, holiday schedules are mishandled, and there is a lack of opportunities for career advancement. Furthermore, the unions are demanding the recruitment of skilled personnel for supervisory and managerial positions, as well as the provision of proper vehicles and work tools, particularly considering the high temperatures. They insist that staff require uniforms which "respect their dignity", with clothing tailored to harsh weather conditions, including waterproof jackets for periods of torrential rain. UGT has directly pointed the finger at firms including Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, Easyjet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, Jet2, Ryanair and South, amongst others, for employment practices which it deems "close to exploitation". The ongoing upgrades at the airport have also drawn criticism, with trade unions claiming the construction work seems never-ending and is negatively affecting workers' health and safety. The union is also calling for complimentary parking for employees and the establishment of a new staff canteen offering reasonably-priced meals. UGT holds airport operator AENA accountable for all these failings and cautions that unless discussions to address these matters intensify, the demonstrations will persist. The union has secured backing from the Balearic government, which last week called for immediate intervention at the airport after acknowledging "the build-up of incidents" is damaging its tourism image. Authorities state that delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Majorca are generating an increasing number of grievances and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also raised concerns about lengthy queues at security checkpoints and the ongoing construction at the airport, coupled with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." "From Consumer Affairs, it is stressed that air traffic in the Balearic Islands is not only key for tourism but also an essential public service for the connectivity of citizens, especially in an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. However, delays, cancellations and overbooking cause a growing volume of complaints, generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands," a government spokesperson declared. "The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health considers it essential that the competent aviation authorities are extremely vigilant and control during the high season and ensure compliance with European Regulation 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of service interruptions. "Likewise, the General Directorate denounces that the execution of works at Palma airport in the middle of high season generates a context of general discomfort, collapse in accesses and transit areas, and long waits at security controls, with direct damage to both passengers and staff working in the facilities. "For all these reasons, Consumer Affairs calls on the central government to adopt measures to guarantee the proper functioning of air traffic in the Balearic Islands and protect the rights of passengers and the safety of users."
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Brit tourists warned of travel chaos on Spanish island with union set to bring airport 'to a standstill' as summer holidays get underway
British holidaymakers flying in or out of Majorca this Friday are being urged to brace for travel disruption as furious ground staff threaten to ' paralyse' Palma's airport during the busy summer getaway. The protest, scheduled for July 25 between 8am and 12pm, coincides with the start of a Bank Holiday weekend in Spain and could spark chaos for thousands of passengers. Union leaders say they are fed up with poor working conditions and claim they are being 'suffocated' by a crisis gripping the aviation sector in the Balearic Islands. In a fiery statement, workers warned that unless Spanish airport authority Aena steps in immediately, they will 'raise the tone of the protest' with industrial action designed to bring Son Sant Joan airport to a 'standstill'. Their key demand is the creation of a joint task force made up of Aena, the regional government and union representatives to find solutions to what they describe as years of abuse and neglect. The UGT union has accused airport service firms of breaching labour rights and creating 'inhumane' shifts that make work-life balance impossible. They say many staff are forced to accept 'basic contracts of less than 30 hours' while being expected to do 'countless hours of overtime without any control.' Their demands include the proper scheduling of holidays, clearer pathways for professional development, and the employment of qualified staff for supervisory and driving duties so others are not pushed to breaking point. The union has also asked for improved working equipment to protect staff from the scorching heat, new uniforms, and raincoats for when there's a downpour. Additionally, they want free parking for employees and a canteen with affordable food. UGT has accused Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, easyJet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, PMR's, Jet2, Ryanair and South of 'exploitation.' Bosses have also been condemned over 'endless and painful' construction work at the airport, which union officials say is 'damaging' workers' health and putting their safety at risk. They have warned that companies are refusing to engage with their concerns and are 'undermining' the union's ability to represent staff.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Exact date tourists face Majorca chaos as airport comes to 'total standstill'
Striking workers say they will paralyse the airport for at least three hours after accusing bosses of failing to respect their rights and provide adequate equipment Mallorca airport facing "total standstill" as a protest is expected to bring services to a halt on Friday. Furious staff have called for the major protest and intend to paralyse the airport for at least three hours on July 25th. The disruption could lead to cancellations, massive queues and delays on domestic and international flights. The union recommends that passengers go to the airport earlier and check the status of their flights with their respective airlines. The workers are banded together under the UGT trade union, which is demonstrating against "suffocating" working conditions. Among their demands is the creation of a negotiation group including Spain's airport authority, Aena, the government and employee representatives. UGT has called for a rally at Palma airport on July 25 to denounce what it describes as a "situation of unsustainable precariousness" in the Balearic air sector. The protest will last for about three hours and aims to make visible the working conditions which they claim are deplorable. The unions say companies contracted in to carry out various services are "abusing" their rights. They claim staff aren't treated properly, holiday allocations are incorrect and there is no career progression. The unions are also demanding the addition of qualified personnel in supervisory and management roles, as well as the provision of adequate vehicles and work tools, especially in light of the high temperatures. They say staff need uniforms which "respect their dignity", with clothing adapted to adverse weather conditions, such as raincoats for days of heavy rain. UGT has directly accused companies such as Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, Easyjet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, Jet2, Ryanair and South, among others, of labour practices which it considers "close to exploitation". The improvements being carried out at the airport also come under fire, with the unions saying construction work appears to be endless and is having a negative impact on the health and safety of staff. The union is also demanding free parking for the workers and the opening of a new cafeteria for staff with affordable prices. The UGT says it holds the airport authority AENA responsible for all the shortcomings and warns that unless it steps up talks to resolve the issues, the protests will continue. The union has already found an ally in the Balearic government which last week demanded urgent action over the airport after admitting "the accumulation of incidents" is doing nothing for its tourism reputation. Officials say delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Mallorca are causing a growing volume of complaints and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also complained about long waits at security controls and the continuing works at the airport, together with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." The consumer affairs department of the Government of the Balearic Islands has told the Directorate General of Civil Aviation its concern about the situation that Palma airport is going through in the middle of the high season, as well as the accumulation of incidents in air traffic that directly affect residents and tourists. "From Consumer Affairs, it is stressed that air traffic in the Balearic Islands is not only key for tourism but also an essential public service for the connectivity of citizens, especially in an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. However, delays, cancellations and overbooking cause a growing volume of complaints, generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands," said a spokesperson for the government. "The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health considers it essential that the competent aviation authorities are extremely vigilant and control during the high season and ensure compliance with European Regulation 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of service interruptions." "Likewise, the General Directorate denounces that the execution of works at Palma airport in the middle of high season generates a context of general discomfort, collapse in accesses and transit areas, and long waits at security controls, with direct damage to both passengers and staff working in the facilities." "For all these reasons, Consumer Affairs calls on the central government to adopt measures to guarantee the proper functioning of air traffic in the Balearic Islands and protect the rights of passengers and the safety of users."
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Spain holiday airport to FINALLY clear out crime-riddled homeless camp after tourists forced to dodge drugs and bedbugs
Prostitution, violence and public urination have all been linked to the rough sleepers SCARE-PORT CRACKDOWN Spain holiday airport to FINALLY clear out crime-riddled homeless camp after tourists forced to dodge drugs and bedbugs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SPANISH airport is finally flushing out a crime-riddled homeless camp - but only after tourists were forced to dodge drugs and bedbugs. Barajas Airport in Madrid has been overrun by rough sleepers who gather en masse every night, plaguing the building and travellers with problems. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A rough sleeper eats sitting on the floor of Terminal 4 at Barajas Airport in Madrid Credit: AP 6 Around 400 people hunker down on the airport floor each night Credit: Solarpix 6 The crowds of homeless are finally to be evicted from the airport Credit: AP An estimated 400 rough sleepers pile into Spain's largest airport each night - but will now all be evicted, the Spanish airport authority Aena said. The gatherings of people, often with drug and alcohol problems, earned Barajas the nickname "zombie city" - amid reports of violence and looting. Drug use, public urination and even prostitution are also said to be common - as reported by local tradespeople and the rough sleepers themselves. Spanish media reported in May that some of the occupants have been found with knives, machetes and other homemade weapons. Officials warned the nuisance residents to move on after a reception centre was set up to accommodate them. As the airport enforces the new rule against overnight stays, Madrid City Council has created 150 emergency places in the Latina district of the city. The Pinar de San José centre is equipped with beds, hygiene services, food and social care. An Aena spokesperson said: "The decision to act on the situation in Barajas responds to a reality that has been visible for months: the stay of dozens of homeless people, mostly migrants or asylum seekers, who had begun to use the airport facilities as a night shelter, especially during waves of extreme cold and heat. "This situation generated both humanitarian concern and operational problems for the proper functioning of the airport." Aena says the airport cannot and should not become an overnight space for vulnerable people, as it does not have the resources or capacity to do so. Major Brit holiday airport fumigated after infestation of BEDBUGS with passengers & airline staff reporting itchy bites The statement continued: "The objective is to avoid situations of risk, lack of protection and chronification, through direct intervention, social monitoring and orientation to stable resources of the social services system". The authority will soon begin to officially warn any stragglers in Barajas that they must leave. They will be directed to the new homeless centre in the city. The eviction process will be conducted in collaboration with social professionals to "ensure empathetic and effective communication, in accordance with the vulnerability of the group", Aena said. Rough sleeps can be found occupying mattresses and cardboard beds onto the hard floor, while others simply curl up next to the walls surrounded by their belongings. Many of the inhabitants can also be seen sprawled across the chairs in the waiting areas of the terminal. 6 The rough sleepers will be directed to a new homeless shelter set up in the city Credit: Solarpix 6 Bed bugs - which leave itchy red marks like this - were reported at Madrid airport and it was fumigated Credit: Getty One shocking video clip even showed that a homeless man had occupied an airport lift and turned it into his bedroom. Barajas had to be fumigated in May after a outbreak of bedbugs, possibly linked to the homeless population. Footage showed various bugs - including cockroaches, ticks and fleas - crawling around the airport, and workers posted evidence of the bites. Aena was forced to call in the pest-control team to blast several zones including hallways, furniture, and even check-in belts. A similar situation affects other Spanish airports - including Malaga and Tenerife south.
