Airport Access Restrictions in Madrid Barajas
Restrictions on accessing Madrid Barajas Airport came into effect on Wednesday evening, as announced by AENA. The new measures primarily target the approximately 400 individuals who have been sleeping in the airport facilities. According to the security department unions, the operation involves 22 agents, although it appears that many more have been mobilised.
Access Controls
As of 9 pm, anyone without a boarding pass, parking ticket, or special permit is no longer allowed to enter the terminals. These restrictions will be applied daily until 5 am, when the metro and Renfe services resume. The new controls have been implemented to manage the large number of people who have been using the airport as a makeshift shelter.
First Day of Controls
The first day of controls passed without major incidents, according to El País. A significant number of homeless individuals arrived at the airport before the 9 pm deadline. At the metro exit of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, six security guards were stationed in a row, forming a barrier. "Do you know what you have to do?" the supervisor asked one of the agents. "Yes, be polite but firm, if they don’t have a boarding pass, they’re out," the agent replied.
Homeless Individuals Adapt
Many homeless individuals, aware of the restrictions, arrived at the airport before the deadline. Marcelo Montoya, a homeless individual, told El País that he had discovered a side entrance to the T-2 terminal the previous night. He explained that he has become a person who "goes from line to line," waiting for food and shelter.
Concerns and Criticisms
The restrictions have raised concerns among those who have been using the airport as a shelter. Montoya stated, "They’re forcing us to choose between eating and sleeping. If we get dinner at 7:30 pm, we barely make it, that’s why many people didn’t come." He also expressed frustration with the new controls, saying, "There’s malice in what they’re doing. I don’t know who’s behind it, but they’re full of malice."
Efforts to Support Homeless Individuals
Gaspar García, coordinator of the Despega project by Asociación Bokatas, was contacted by AENA to monitor the situation. García’s role was to ensure that everyone was safe and to assess the impact of the restrictions. He stated, "I see sad people, people who have been deprived of plugs, seats, and now a roof. What they have is what you see. The tension and stress they accumulate is very high. Above all, they’re vulnerable people."
Ongoing Situation
The situation at Madrid Barajas Airport remains a concern, with many individuals relying on the airport as a shelter. As El País reports, the restrictions have been implemented to manage the large number of people using the airport as a makeshift shelter. However, the long-term impact of these measures on the homeless individuals who have been using the airport as a shelter remains to be seen.
Airport Response
AENA’s decision to restrict access to the airport has been met with criticism from some quarters. Eduardo, a security guard, expressed his concerns, saying, "I hope this isn’t done for pleasure. Doing it one or two days won’t have an effect, it will have to be consecutive. For these people, the airport is their home, it’s like we’ve evicted them. At least I try to do it with education."
Conclusion
The restrictions on accessing Madrid Barajas Airport have come into effect, with the aim of managing the large number of homeless individuals who have been using the airport as a shelter. While the first day of controls passed without major incidents, concerns have been raised about the impact on vulnerable individuals. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the restrictions will affect those who have been relying on the airport as a shelter.
Source: El País
