Tenerife North Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Tenerife North Airport, formerly known as Los Rodeos Airport, has been operating for almost a century and is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It is one of two airports on the island of Tenerife, the other being Tenerife South Airport, which is busier and has more international connections. Tenerife North Airport is the smaller of the two airports, with just one terminal, and mainly operates domestic flights to other Canary Islands, although it does have some international destinations. The airport is known for its efficiency and high-quality service, handling over 4 million passengers annually.

Tenerife North Airport's history

Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, is located in San Cristobal de La Laguna, 11 kilometres from the island capital, Santa Cruz. The airport has a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation.

In the years before the airport was constructed, the field at Los Rodeos was hastily prepared to accommodate the first, albeit unofficial, flight to Tenerife. This flight was operated by an Arado V I (D-1594) aircraft from Berlin on behalf of Deutsche Luft Hansa. In May 1930, the first air link between the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands was established by the Compañía de Líneas Aéreas Subvencionadas S.A. (C.L.A.S.S.A.), using a Ford 4-AT Trimotor (M-CKKA) aircraft. This flight took off from Getafe, Madrid, and landed at the Los Rodeos field, marking the beginning of aviation in the region.

Between 1935 and 1939, funds were gathered to build a small hangar and expand the airstrip, paving the way for the development of Los Rodeos into a functional airport. Operations into Los Rodeos recommenced on 23 January 1941, with a De Havilland DH89A Dragon Rapide operating an Iberia flight from Gando in Gran Canaria. By 1946, the airport had expanded further, with more hangars, a passenger terminal, and an 800-metre paved runway.

However, the history of Tenerife North Airport is also marked by tragedy. On 27 March 1977, the airport, then known as Tenerife Los Rodeos, was the site of the deadliest accident in aviation history. KLM Flight 4805, a Boeing 747-206B, collided with Pan Am Flight 1736, a Boeing 747-121, during takeoff. The accident claimed the lives of 583 people and brought attention to the issue of fog and low visibility at the airport. As a result, a new airport, Tenerife South Airport, was inaugurated in 1978 to address safety concerns.

Despite this setback, Tenerife North Airport continued to develop and improve its facilities. In 2002, a new terminal was opened, featuring a large car park, motorway access ramps, and a modern four-story terminal building. This expansion reopened the airport to international traffic and contributed to a steady increase in its operational figures. Today, the airport efficiently serves millions of travellers each year, providing high-quality services and connections to the other Canary Islands and select international destinations.

Transport to and from the airport

Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is located 11 kilometres from the island's capital, Santa Cruz, in the municipality of San Cristobal de La Laguna. The airport is known for its efficient transportation of travellers to and from the other Canary Islands, as well as some international destinations.

Bus

The TITSA Bus is a cost-effective option for travellers. Routes 102, 104, 107, and 108 link Tenerife North Airport to Santa Cruz and nearby towns. Route 343 connects Tenerife North and South Airports in a nonstop 50-minute journey. Buses depart every three hours and tickets cost around €9.70. Bus 20 also runs between the airport, Santa Cruz, and the north of the island (La Laguna), with tickets costing €2.65 to Santa Cruz and €2.45 to La Laguna.

Taxi

High-standard airport taxis are readily available at the taxi rank outside the terminal. The base fare is around €3, with an additional €1 for subsequent distances.

Car

Driving is a recommended option to explore the best of Tenerife. Several car rental companies operate on the island, including AutoReisen, Cicar, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Goldcar Rental.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are available 24 hours a day and can be booked in advance. This option is recommended for groups travelling to Tenerife North to avoid the hassle and cost of multiple taxi rides or public transportation.

Facilities and services

Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, is one of two airports on the island of Tenerife. Located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 11 kilometres from the island's capital, Santa Cruz, the airport is known for its efficient transportation of travellers to and from the Canary Islands, as well as some international destinations.

Tenerife North Airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of travellers. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Transportation: The airport provides easy access to various transportation options. The TITSA Bus service, with routes 102, 104, 107, and 108, connects the airport to Santa Cruz and nearby towns. Route 343 offers a direct connection between Tenerife North and South Airports. High-standard airport taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with a base fare of around €3. Car rental services are also available from companies like AutoReisen, Cicar, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Goldcar Rental.

Parking: The airport has a spacious car park that can accommodate over 880 cars, ensuring convenient parking options for travellers.

Dining and Beverages: Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including Bar Dorada, Bar Tenerife, Café Careca, Café Rittazza, and Café Select. These outlets offer a range of snacks, meals, and alcoholic beverages to suit different tastes and preferences.

Shopping: The airport features a selection of shops, including those selling perfumes, newspapers, regional goods, and jewellery. Duty-free shopping is also available beyond the security area for passengers departing the country.

Financial Services: Tenerife North Airport provides essential financial services, including bureau de change facilities and cash machines (ATMs). The Caja Canarias Bank, located on the ground floor of the terminal, offers additional convenience for travellers' monetary needs.

Information and Assistance: The airport has information desks where travellers can obtain details about flights and airport facilities. The ground floor of the terminal building also houses an information desk with English-speaking staff who are qualified to assist with a wide range of inquiries and problems.

Other Amenities: The airport offers standard facilities for disabled passengers, ensuring easy access throughout the terminal for those with reduced mobility. Disabled-friendly toilets and telephones are also available. Additionally, the VIP Lounge in the entrance hall provides basic business facilities, and the nearby Silken Atlantida Santa Cruz Hotel caters to business visitors.

International and domestic connections

Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, is one of two airports on the island of Tenerife, the other being Tenerife South Airport. The North Airport is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 11 kilometres from the island's capital, Santa Cruz.

Tenerife North Airport is the smaller of the two airports on the island in terms of passenger numbers. It primarily operates domestic flights, connecting Tenerife to the other islands of the archipelago, although it also works with some international destinations. About 40% of its traffic is made up of scheduled domestic flights, with the most important destination being Madrid. The airport also offers connections to the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.

The airport has information desks where travellers can get details about flights and airport facilities. It is connected to various forms of transportation, including buses, taxis, and car rentals. The TITSA Bus is a cost-effective option for travellers, with routes 102, 104, 107, and 108 linking the airport to Santa Cruz and nearby towns. Route 343 connects Tenerife North and South Airports in a nonstop 50-minute journey.

Tenerife North Airport has a range of services and facilities for travellers, including bars, cafes, restaurants, a bank, pharmacies, ATMs, conference and meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, public telephones, and shops. The airport also has a parking area for over 880 cars.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when the Los Rodeos airfield established the first air link between the Spanish mainland and the Canary Islands. The airport officially opened to all national and international traffic in 1946, with further developments and improvements made in the following decades.

The airport's role in tourism

Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, is located 11 kilometres from Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. The airport handles millions of transit passengers annually, operating mostly domestic flights between the Canary Islands, with about 40% of its traffic consisting of connecting flights to the archipelago. In 2016, the airport served over four million passengers travelling within and outside the Canary Islands.

Tenerife North Airport, along with its southern counterpart, plays a crucial role in tourism, a key driver of the island's economy. Airports are instrumental in developing tourist services and shaping travel experiences. They serve as vital gateways, enhancing accessibility to tourist destinations. Tenerife North Airport, in particular, provides efficient connections to other Canary Islands and some international destinations.

The airport's role extends beyond mere transportation. It actively contributes to the local economy, creating jobs in various sectors, including construction, operation, and tourism. The presence of the airport stimulates infrastructure growth, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The airport's collaboration with airlines is pivotal, as they work together to establish new routes and increase flight frequency, making travel more convenient and affordable for tourists.

Additionally, the airport plays a part in marketing the destination. It showcases the unique attractions of the region, helping airlines recognise the potential for profitable routes. A well-managed airport with efficient processes and a pleasant ambience can create a positive first impression, setting the tone for tourists' adventures. Tenerife North Airport offers various services and amenities, including bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, all contributing to the overall tourist experience.

Furthermore, the airport facilitates cultural exchanges and promotes local arts and entertainment. Cultural displays, art exhibitions, and concerts within the airport provide visitors with a taste of the local culture. The airport's proximity to museums and tourist destinations also enhances their accessibility and attracts more visitors to these sites. Overall, Tenerife North Airport's role in tourism is significant, impacting everything from transportation and economic development to destination marketing and cultural engagement.

Frequently asked questions