Overview

• Aena has implemented boarding-pass checks at Madrid-Barajas Airport during night hours to restrict access to homeless individuals, citing operational and safety concerns.
• The airport operator sent a formal legal demand to Madrid City Council, holding it responsible for providing housing solutions for the 400-500 people sleeping nightly in the terminals.
• Madrid City Council and the Community of Madrid dispute their roles in addressing the crisis, while the central government denies direct responsibility under Spanish law.
• Barajas employees report unsafe working conditions, including exposure to syringes, aggression, and unsanitary environments, as the crisis strains airport operations.
• A coordinated intervention model in Barcelona has successfully halved the number of homeless individuals at El Prat Airport, offering a potential roadmap for Barajas.