€800 Million Investment to Modernise Canary Islands Airports

A multi-million-euro budget will fund the renovation and expansion of airport infrastructure across the Canary Islands.

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has unveiled the ‘DORA III’ project, a national airport investment plan worth almost €13 billion to be rolled out between 2027 and 2031. Of this amount, around €800 million will be allocated specifically to the airports of the Canary Islands.

The plan includes upgrades across the eight main Canarian airports: Tenerife South, Tenerife North, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2031.

According to the proposal, Tenerife South and Tenerife North–City of La Laguna will receive the largest investments, with budgets of €550 million and €250 million respectively.

Modernisation Plans for Tenerife’s Airports

Tenerife South Airport will undergo the most extensive transformation, with a planned 50% expansion of its terminal area. The works will include new check-in counters, additional boarding gates, and upgraded facilities, according to reports from British outlet Express.

Tenerife North Airport will receive a more modest yet significant investment of €250 million. Its terminal is set to expand by 40%, incorporating additional security lanes, baggage claim areas, and check-in desks to improve passenger flow and comfort.

At Lanzarote’s César Manrique Airport, the project includes the integration of the domestic and international terminals under one roof. The improvements will also extend to new check-in zones, passport control points, baggage halls, and modern passenger services, according to regional mobility councillor Pablo Rodríguez.

Upgrades Across the Archipelago

In Gran Canaria, the terminal will be upgraded with state-of-the-art security systems, new arrival halls, and expanded parking areas. Fuerteventura is also expected to benefit from improved construction facilities and enhanced security technology, along with the possibility of terminal expansion.

The airport on El Hierro will receive nearly €1 million to increase its capacity by 20%. The investment could rise further if additional works are approved, including runway resurfacing, communication upgrades, and sustainability initiatives.

The government’s DORA III plan aims to modernise Spain’s entire airport network, improve passenger experience, and strengthen regional connectivity. In the Canary Islands, where tourism remains the backbone of the economy, these upgrades are expected to significantly boost capacity and efficiency across all terminals.