Canary Islands News

A drunk passenger violently attacked crew members on a TUI flight from Gran Canaria to Birmingham, causing an hour of terror for 220 passengers. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of disruptive behavior on Canary Islands routes, prompting airlines to implement stricter policies and hefty fines.

The Canary Islands face a unique economic paradox where residents must purchase homes at prices comparable to Spain’s wealthiest regions while earning some of the country’s lowest salaries. This comprehensive analysis reveals how tourism simultaneously drives up property costs and keeps wages low across the archipelago.

Canary Islands airports achieved impressive growth in May 2025, welcoming over 4.1 million passengers—a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Gran Canaria Airport led with the highest passenger numbers, while Fuerteventura showed the strongest percentage growth at 8.4%, demonstrating the archipelago’s continued appeal as a premier travel destination.

The CCOO union has strongly criticized the Canary Islands Vice-President over his concerns that wage increases in the tourism sector might harm the industry. The dispute highlights tensions between workers’ rights and tourism interests as the islands continue breaking visitor records.

The Canary Islands government is considering a tourist tax to better distribute tourism wealth among residents, though officials face challenges in excluding locals from such fees. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the islands’ economic success and ensuring local communities benefit from the thriving tourism industry.

New evidence emerges in the Jay Slater case, revealing the British teenager stole drugs and fled in paranoia through Tenerife’s dangerous terrain before his tragic death. Investigator Mark Williams-Thomas exposes crucial details previously withheld from authorities.

A leading economist warns that the Canary Islands’ tourism model has reached its breaking point, causing ecological and social problems despite economic success. The archipelago needs a new approach that balances visitor numbers with local wellbeing and environmental protection.

The Tenerife Cabildo faces a major financial adjustment after exceeding its 2024 budget by nearly 15%, requiring an Economic and Financial Plan to restore fiscal compliance. Opposition parties criticize the administration’s fiscal responsibility while the government prepares corrective measures for 2025-2026.

La Palma experienced a complete island-wide blackout on Tuesday evening, leaving all 50,000 electricity customers without power for three hours due to a turbine failure at Los Guinchos power station. This latest incident highlights ongoing energy infrastructure challenges across the Canary Islands, with local officials demanding immediate government action to modernize the aging electrical systems.

Recent tragic deaths of sperm whales off Tenerife’s coast have intensified calls for marine conservation action in the Canary Islands. Marine biologists warn of escalating collision risks as maritime traffic doubles in these crucial whale habitats, threatening both the species and the islands’ reputation as a premier whale-watching destination.