In the face of the exceptional situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus, Aena launched its Operations Recovery Plan to guarantee the safety of both passengers and workers in the airport environment. In addition, it implemented more than 100 measures that meet the operational guidelines issued by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and other international and health (EASA/ECDC) recommendations.
COVID-19 recommendations
In 2021, all 46 airports in the Aena network were certified by the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) programme. This accreditation recognises the airports’ commitment to the health measures adopted for employee and passenger safety. Among these measures, ACI certified extra cleaning and disinfection in facilities, control of maximum capacities and adaptations of several operational processes to the new reality.
Also in 2021, six of Aena’s airports (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de la Laguna) achieved the maximum of 5 stars in the "Covid-19 Safety Ratings" from the prestigious consulting firm Skytrax. In addition, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airports received COVID-19 Airport Excellence Awards from Skytrax.
That same year, a total of six airports in the Aena network received the Best Hygiene Measures award: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Pamplona, Reus, Seve Ballesteros-Santander, Internacional Región de Murcia and El Hierro, highlighting their impressive commitment to hygiene measures in order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition was obtained from the various assessments made by those who visit and assess our airports through ASQ Awards (Airport Service Quality Programme) surveys on health controls, hydrogel dispensers or passenger information, among others, collected by ACI.
In 2022, Aena received the Best Airport Group COVID-19 Excellence Award at the World Airport Awards, given by Skytrax. The airports in the Aena network were chosen for the high standards of hygiene and security at their facilities during the pandemic. These awards were based on satisfaction surveys that the consultancy firm carried out with passengers of various airlines and airports around the world.
