The Canary Islands are one of Europe’s most accessible island destinations, served by a network of modern airports connecting the archipelago to mainland Spain, Europe, and beyond. Each major island has its own airport, and frequent inter-island flights make travel between them quick and convenient. Whether you’re landing in Tenerife, hopping to Lanzarote, or flying home from Gran Canaria, this guide covers everything you need to know about airports in the Canary Islands.
Main Airports in the Canary Islands
The seven main islands are served by eight commercial airports, strategically located for both international and domestic connections:
| Island | Airport Name | IATA Code | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | Tenerife South – Reina Sofía | TFS | International |
| Tenerife | Tenerife North – Los Rodeos | TFN | Domestic / Inter-island |
| Gran Canaria | Gran Canaria Airport | LPA | International |
| Lanzarote | Lanzarote Airport | ACE | International |
| Fuerteventura | Fuerteventura Airport | FUE | International |
| La Palma | La Palma Airport | SPC | Domestic / European |
| El Hierro | El Hierro Airport | VDE | Domestic / Inter-island |
| La Gomera | La Gomera Airport | GMZ | Domestic / Inter-island |
Tenerife Airports
Tenerife, the largest and most visited island, is unique for having two airports:
- Tenerife South (TFS – Reina Sofía): Handles most international traffic from Europe, including flights from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. Located near Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, it’s ideal for beach destinations and package holidays.
- Tenerife North (TFN – Los Rodeos): Primarily serves domestic and inter-island routes. Situated close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna, it’s perfect for business trips and exploring the greener north.
Transfers from Tenerife Airports
- From TFS: Direct buses run to Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz. Taxis and car rentals are available in the arrivals hall.
- From TFN: Regular buses connect to Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz. Car hire desks are located in the terminal.
- It takes around 45–60 minutes to drive between Tenerife North and Tenerife South via the TF-1 / TF-5 highways.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Located about 25 km south of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Airport is the second-busiest in the Canaries and a major hub for both tourists and residents. It operates daily connections to Spain’s mainland cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville) and many European capitals.
- Terminals: Single, modern terminal with three zones (A for Schengen, B/C for non-Schengen and inter-island flights).
- Airlines: Iberia, Ryanair, Vueling, Binter Canarias, EasyJet, TUI, Lufthansa and more.
- Transport: Direct buses to Las Palmas (Line 60) and Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés (Line 66), plus taxis and car rentals.
Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
Situated near Arrecife, Lanzarote Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Its modern facilities handle millions of passengers annually, particularly from the UK, Ireland and Germany.
- Distance to city centre: Around 5 km from Arrecife.
- Highlights: Excellent car rental options and easy access to popular resorts like Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE)
Located near Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura Airport is the gateway to the island’s famous golden beaches and surf spots. It operates daily flights from Madrid, Barcelona, London, Berlin and Amsterdam.
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, cafés and restaurants, ATMs, car-rental counters and bus connections to Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable.
- Tip: Arrive early during summer months and holiday periods — queues can build up due to high charter traffic.
Smaller Island Airports
While smaller in size, the airports on La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are essential for island residents and eco-travellers.
- La Palma Airport (SPC): Serves flights to Madrid and inter-island routes. Ideal for hikers heading to Caldera de Taburiente and the island’s famous stargazing viewpoints.
- La Gomera Airport (GMZ): Small but efficient; connected mainly to Tenerife North and occasionally Gran Canaria. Perfect for travellers staying in Valle Gran Rey or San Sebastián.
- El Hierro Airport (VDE): Spain’s westernmost airport, used mainly for domestic travel and diving tourism around La Restinga.
Airport Facilities & Services
Most Canary Islands airports offer a similar range of services:
- Free or time-limited Wi-Fi access in terminals.
- Car rental desks from major international and local companies.
- Duty-free shops, convenience stores and souvenir outlets.
- Restaurants and cafés serving snacks, local dishes and international options.
- ATMs and currency exchange for Euro withdrawals and basic banking.
- Information desks where staff can help with transfers, lost property and tourist questions.
Accessibility & Special Assistance
All major airports in the Canary Islands provide facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair assistance, priority boarding and adapted restrooms are standard, but you should always request special assistance when booking your flight so the airline can coordinate with the airport team.
Inter-Island Flights
The Canary Islands’ inter-island flight network is among the best in Europe, offering short, scenic hops (20–50 minutes) between all islands. Two regional airlines — Binter Canarias and CanaryFly — operate regular flights throughout the day.
- Binter Canarias: Primary inter-island carrier, usually including a small snack or drink on board.
- CanaryFly: Budget-friendly alternative focused on short routes between the main islands.
Inter-island flights are especially useful if you plan to combine, for example, Tenerife + La Gomera or Gran Canaria + Fuerteventura in a single trip. For ferry alternatives and island-hopping tips, see our broader Travel Tips for the Canary Islands.
Practical Tips for Travellers
- Book inter-island flights early during holidays and local festivals — routes can fill up quickly.
- Arrive around 90 minutes before domestic and 2 hours before international departures.
- Most airports have reliable public transport, but taxis can be more expensive on smaller islands.
- Check your airline’s baggage rules carefully — especially on regional carriers, where limits may be lower than on long-haul flights.
- Keep a small day-bag with essentials in case of delays, including water, snacks and medication.
Where to Go Next
- Plan your journey from the airport with our Travel Tips for the Canary Islands.
- For a wider overview of the islands, start with Canary Islands Travel Guide and About the Canary Islands.
With excellent air connectivity, short inter-island routes and modern facilities, the Canary Islands are among the easiest and most comfortable island destinations to reach — no matter which airport you choose to start your adventure from.
