Madrid Airport Limits Access to Combat Growing Homelessness

Madrid-Barajas Airport Restricts Access to Curb Homelessness Madrid, Spain – Madrid-Barajas Airport has announced new restrictions on access to its facilities in an effort to address the growing number of homeless individuals seeking shelter within the terminal. Only passengers with tickets, their companions, and airport staff will be allowed entry, according to a recent news report by Informativos Telecinco. "This is the first step," said Sergi Pau, a reporter for Informativos Telecinco, speaking from the airport. "AENA will be reinforcing access controls in Barajas, particularly during low-traffic periods." The airport authority has reportedly been warning of a rise in homelessness for months. The decision to limit access has drawn criticism from various political parties. The airport authority is calling on city officials to provide housing solutions for the homeless individuals. The new measures aim to balance the needs of travelers with the concerns about the growing homeless population at the airport. The situation highlights the challenges faced by major cities in addressing homelessness and the complex interplay between public spaces and social services.