Lorraine Williamson
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, a bustling hub accommodating over 66 million travellers annually, has become an unintended refuge for more than 500 vulnerable individuals each night. This population includes the homeless, undocumented migrants awaiting asylum, and the unemployed unable to afford housing.
They find shelter in various airport areas, from corridors and elevators to chairs and makeshift cardboard beds.
Personal accounts of hardship
Raquel, one of the many seeking refuge at Barajas, recently lost her job and has no alternative housing options. In an interview with Antena 3, she shared, “There is no room in the shelters because of the cold season.” Raquel expressed her desire to leave the airport but acknowledged it as her only option currently. She highlighted the challenges faced: “They don’t let us go to bed until 11.00 pm and they wake us up at 5.00 am.”
Another individual recounted the struggle to maintain hygiene: “We are waiting until the disabled toilet is empty; it is the only way I can wash myself.” For sustenance, many resort to scavenging from garbage bins or relying on the generosity of passengers.
Escalating concerns among airport staff
Airport employees have voiced concerns over the escalating situation. One staff member described the environment: “This is a hotel, and the whole corridor is full of cardboard.” The diverse backgrounds of those seeking shelter include homeless individuals, undocumented migrants awaiting asylum decisions, and unemployed persons unable to secure monthly housing.
The influx of vulnerable individuals has led to increased anxiety and stress among airport workers. Organisations like ASAE have noted a rise in such sentiments, as employees navigate the complexities of maintaining airport operations amidst the growing number of people seeking refuge. The situation has also raised safety concerns, with reports of violence, crime, and harassment becoming more frequent. The atmosphere in Terminal 4, in particular, has been described as increasingly perilous.
A decade of increasing numbers
The number of individuals sleeping at Barajas has seen a dramatic rise over the past decade. From approximately 40 people ten years ago, the figure has now multiplied to over 500. This surge reflects broader socioeconomic challenges, including unemployment, housing shortages, and the complexities of the asylum process.
Also read: Rising numbers of homeless people in Spain
Calls for comprehensive solutions
The growing crisis at Madrid-Barajas Airport underscores the urgent need for comprehensive social support systems. Addressing the root causes—such as unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and streamlined asylum procedures—is essential. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organisations, and the community are crucial to develop sustainable solutions that provide vulnerable individuals with safe and dignified alternatives to seeking shelter in public spaces like airports.