Spain airport manager threatens eviction of 400 homeless people at Madrid Barajas Airport
Madrid City Council has called for a dignified solution, urging authorities to avoid “hasty” decisions about evictions
An ongoing situation of rough sleeping at Madrid’s Barajas Airport has escalated, with AENA, the state-owned company that manages Spain’s airports, pressing for the eviction of approximately 400 homeless individuals and asylum seekers who have bedded down in Terminal 4.AENA has raised concerns about the increasing number of people living in the airport’s facilities, a problem that has been noticeable since early February 2025.
AENA has requested the Madrid City Council and the relevant social services to find a “dignified solution” for the homeless individuals residing at the airport. The company has expressed its growing worry about the delicate situation that has developed as more people seek shelter in the airport, creating a difficult environment for both employees and travellers.
Since the issue first became apparent, regular meetings have been held between AENA and the City Council to discuss potential solutions. However, AENA now feels that the local government’s response has been insufficient. According to José Fernández, the City Council’s delegate for Social Policies, the airport’s plans to remove the homeless were shared in a “unilateral” meeting on Wednesday March 5, catching the Council off guard. Fernández has questioned why this decision is being made now, as homelessness services have been in place for some time.
Trade unions at AENA estimate that around 400-500 people are living in Terminal 4. Of these, approximately 71 are homeless, while the remaining individuals are asylum seekers. Fernández highlighted that responsibility for the asylum seekers lies with the Ministry of Immigration, not the City Council. He urged all public administrations, including AENA, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of the Interior, to collaborate and avoid making a hasty decision to evict these vulnerable individuals.Although AENA has indicated that it plans to implement access controls and carry out the evictions if the City Council does not take action, the company has said it is still waiting for the City Council to propose alternative strategies.
The situation remains unresolved, with the City Council urging for more time to develop a comprehensive solution that respects the dignity of those affected.
Images: Emilio Garcia and Ricky Esquivel/Pexels
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