European Airports with the Most Passenger Complaints
According to data from the claims management platform Reclamio, two of the Canary Islands’ airports have found themselves on an unenviable list. Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport (TFN) and Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) are both ranked among the top ten European airports that generate the most passenger complaints.
Topping the List: Europe’s Complaint Leaders
The list of Europe’s most complained-about airports is led by Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), which accounted for a significant 15% of all claims over the last four years. It is closely followed by Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) with 9%, and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) with 4.7% of the total complaints.
Completing the Top Ten
Rounding out the top five are Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which garnered 3.5% of complaints, and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) with 3.4%. The final spots in the top ten are occupied by Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), and Ibiza Airport (IBZ), in that order.
What’s Behind the Complaints?
Jordi Mercader, a representative from Reclamio.com, explained that the number of complaints is influenced by two primary factors: organizational issues and strikes at specific airports—such as the recent walkouts by French air traffic controllers—and the sheer volume of passengers each airport handles. The complaints themselves cover a wide range of issues that can disrupt a traveler’s journey.
Types of Passenger Grievances
The claims data encompasses grievances motivated by flight delays and cancellations, including problems related to overbooked flights. Furthermore, a substantial number of complaints are filed concerning the loss of or damage to passengers’ luggage, a common pain point for travelers passing through these busy hubs.
