Chaos at Madrid Airport: insects, homeless people and security concerns!

Chaos at Madrid Airport: insects, homeless people and security concerns!

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain's main international hub and one of the busiest airports in Europe, is facing increasing challenges. In 2023, the airport recorded over 60 million passengers and the situation has continued to worsen in recent months. A historic passenger record of over 66 million travelers was already reached in 2024, which has only exacerbated the problems. Employees report massive hygiene and safety deficiencies that can no longer be ignored.

Reports of insect infestations, including cockroaches, spiders and bed bugs, are particularly alarming. Baggage handling employees have reported bed bug bites, indicating a serious hygiene risk. Loud watson.de The airport operator Aena and the city of Madrid have initiated initial cleaning and pest control measures, but the exact extent of the problems remains unclear.

Social challenges and security

Another major problem is the increasing number of homeless people who regularly try to find a place to sleep in the airport. According to the USO union, between 500 and 600 people sleep in the terminals every night. These are often asylum seekers without a residence permit or low-income professionals who set up cardboard-like shelters or sleeping bags in sanitary facilities and remote areas. It is estimated that between 300 and 500 homeless people regularly spend the night in the airport spainpress.com reported.

The situation is aggravated by a lack of clear responsibilities between the Madrid city administration and the airport administration. There is a dispute over responsibility for homeless care, while the city of Madrid only offers 2,800 overnight places for homeless people. Although security forces are trying to turn away people without plane tickets at the entrances, this has not improved conditions on site. Violent incidents, including robberies and knife fights, have contributed to a sense of insecurity, making the airport appear dangerous.

Burden on staff

The night shifts for cleaning staff are becoming increasingly stressful. Employees report frequent threats, verbal attacks and physical assaults, including syringe stabbings. Due to the uncertain circumstances, employees often only work in certain areas accompanied by security services. These reports reinforce the image of an airport that is considered the first image of Spain for millions of travelers, but is currently mired in neglect and insecurity.

Despite the alarming situation, the political silence remains. Neither Aena, Madrid City Hall nor the national government have taken any concrete action. This leads to an unclear handling of the challenges as the situation at the airport continues to deteriorate.