Tenerife and its airports
Tenerife is a Spanish island located in the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the seven Canary Islands. It is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and volcanic landscapes. The island has two airports, Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS), which serve millions of tourists and locals annually.
Tenerife North Airport (TFN)
Tenerife North Airport, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, is located in the municipality of San Cristobal de La Laguna. It is the main airport for inter-island flights and serves as a hub for local airlines. The airport has been in operation since 1946 and was the only airport on the island until Tenerife South Airport was opened in 1978. It has one terminal and handles around five million passengers per year.
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Tenerife South Airport, officially known as Reina Sofia Airport, is located in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. It is the main international airport for Tenerife and the second busiest airport in the Canary Islands after Gran Canaria Airport. The airport was opened in 1978 and has two terminals. It handles over ten million passengers per year and has flight connections to over one hundred destinations worldwide.
History of the airports in Tenerife
The history of airports in Tenerife dates back to the early 20th century when the first airstrip was built in the municipality of Adeje. Later, in the 1940s, Los Rodeos Airport was established as the first commercial airport on the island. Over the years, the airport grew and saw many upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal in 1972. In 1978, Tenerife South Airport was opened, which became the main airport on the island due to its strategic location and larger capacity.
Differences between TFN and TFS
The main difference between Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport is their location and purpose. TFN is mainly used for flights between the Canary Islands and serves as a hub for local airlines. TFS, on the other hand, is an international airport that serves millions of tourists arriving from all over the world. TFS has a larger capacity and more flight connections than TFN, which makes it more convenient for travelers who want to reach multiple destinations.
Airlines operating in Tenerife
Several airlines operate at both Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport. Local airlines like Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate mainly from TFN, while international airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI Airways operate from TFS. Other airlines like Air Europa, Iberia, and Vueling also operate at both airports.
Destinations from Tenerife airports
Tenerife airports offer flight connections to various destinations within Spain, Europe, and other parts of the world. From TFS, travelers can fly to destinations like London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona. TFN offers flights to neighboring islands like Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
How to get from the airport to your destination
Both Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport offer several transportation options to reach your destination. Taxis, buses, and car rental services are available at both airports. Additionally, TFS has a direct connection to the island’s main highway, which makes it easy to reach popular tourist areas like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos.
Future projects for Tenerife airports
The government of the Canary Islands has plans to upgrade both Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport to improve their capacity and infrastructure. The plans include the expansion of terminals, runway improvements, and the installation of new technologies to enhance passenger experience.
Conclusion: Tenerife as a gateway to the world
Tenerife’s two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, connect the island to the rest of the world. With their strategic locations and multiple flight connections, travelers can easily reach their desired destinations. The airports offer modern facilities and convenient transportation options to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable.
