Limitations Imposed on Access to Madrid-Barajas Airport Amid Homelessness Concerns
Aena takes legal steps to address the rise of homeless individuals at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea (Aena) has formally requested the Madrid City Council to address the increasing number of homeless individuals taking refuge in the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
In a statement released on May 14, 2025, Aena announced that access to airport terminals will be restricted to passengers and their companions during certain low-traffic hours to prevent worsening the situation.
The statement emphasized Aena's commitment to collaborating with public authorities and social organizations to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness can access dignified housing solutions and to maintain efficient airport operations.
Aena reported that they had previously warned the City Council and the Community of Madrid that the number of individuals spending the night in the airport facilities was rising, indicating that urgent action was required.
Aena noted that the response from the Madrid City Council over recent months has been inadequate, and public statements from council officials have suggested a failure to address the issue effectively.
Consequently, Aena has submitted a legal requirement to the City Council to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the housing needs of these individuals.
As of early May 2025, approximately 500 homeless individuals, both Spanish nationals and foreign nationals in vulnerable situations, have been reported to be sleeping in the airport during the night.
The individuals are of diverse ages and circumstances, with some engaged in precarious employment and others lacking documentation.
Aena reiterated its concern for this vulnerable group, stating that airports are not equipped as living spaces and do not provide the necessary conditions for overnight habitation.
To further mitigate the situation, Aena will enhance operational measures by increasing security checks during designated low-traffic hours.
During these times, access to the airport terminals will be limited to passengers with boarding passes, their companions—both departing and arriving—and airport employees.
In a statement released on May 14, 2025, Aena announced that access to airport terminals will be restricted to passengers and their companions during certain low-traffic hours to prevent worsening the situation.
The statement emphasized Aena's commitment to collaborating with public authorities and social organizations to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness can access dignified housing solutions and to maintain efficient airport operations.
Aena reported that they had previously warned the City Council and the Community of Madrid that the number of individuals spending the night in the airport facilities was rising, indicating that urgent action was required.
Aena noted that the response from the Madrid City Council over recent months has been inadequate, and public statements from council officials have suggested a failure to address the issue effectively.
Consequently, Aena has submitted a legal requirement to the City Council to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the housing needs of these individuals.
As of early May 2025, approximately 500 homeless individuals, both Spanish nationals and foreign nationals in vulnerable situations, have been reported to be sleeping in the airport during the night.
The individuals are of diverse ages and circumstances, with some engaged in precarious employment and others lacking documentation.
Aena reiterated its concern for this vulnerable group, stating that airports are not equipped as living spaces and do not provide the necessary conditions for overnight habitation.
To further mitigate the situation, Aena will enhance operational measures by increasing security checks during designated low-traffic hours.
During these times, access to the airport terminals will be limited to passengers with boarding passes, their companions—both departing and arriving—and airport employees.
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Translated by AI
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