Union raises alarm over privatised control towers
The Spanish Air Traffic Controllers’ Union (USCA) has expressed serious concern this Friday about the situation at privatised control towers managed by SAERCO, highlighting El Hierro Airport as a prime example. In a statement issued today, the union stressed that the current staffing levels make it difficult to guarantee the continuity of normal air traffic control services, which could impact the airport’s operations during a key period for the mobility of residents and visitors.
Critical shortages impact services and safety
USCA emphasises that the effective number of staff is lower than indicated by AENA and SAERCO. This shortage limits coverage of operational hours, standby duties, and, crucially, sensitive services such as medical evacuations, particularly during night-time hours. Furthermore, the union explains that a lack of planning in the training and certification processes for substitute staff, despite advance knowledge of requirements, results in periods where the service operates with even tighter staffing levels.
A recurring problem, not a one-off incident
The union points out that this situation is not due to isolated incidents but is part of an ongoing pattern that has been repeating over time. This dynamic affects both the provision of the service and the working conditions of professionals, as well as the passengers relying on air travel during this peak season. USCA recalls that last July it warned the Ministry of Transport that the absence of corrective measures could lead to service continuity problems during periods of high demand like the present one, yet a definitive solution has not been reached to date.
Calls for action during peak Christmas pressure
Consequently, USCA is calling on the relevant authorities to assess the described situation and adopt, where necessary, the measures required to guarantee the correct provision of an essential service like air traffic control in privatised towers. This is especially urgent within the context of maximum operational pressure, such as that experienced during the Christmas holiday period in the Canary Islands.
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