Madrid airport's restroom policy stirs controversy over homeless access
Madrid-Barajas Airport serves the most passengers in Spain. The airport's management has implemented a change they described as innovative. However, the city residents have a different view on it. The controversy revolves around the restrooms available on site.
Madrid-Barajas Airport is testing a new restroom access system that limits usage only to passengers with a boarding pass. Currently, this change applies to one family restroom in Terminal 4. The airport operator, Aena, argues that this innovative solution is aimed at improving cleanliness and order.
The decision has faced criticism, particularly concerning homeless individuals who frequently stay at the facility. According to "El Español," up to 500 people affected by the crisis sleep there. The authorities assure that the new system is not intended to exclude anyone but rather to better manage access to sanitary facilities.
This change has not been well received by city residents, who fear that the homeless will disappear from the airport and appear in the city centre. The tragedy that occurred on March 20 of this year is also significant.
At that time, the body of a man over 60 years old was found in the departure hall. This incident sparked a dispute between Aena and the city council. José Fernández, the delegate for social policy, pointed out that most of the homeless people at the airport are asylum seekers, so they cannot always be redirected elsewhere.
We are dealing with a facility located in Madrid, but it does not belong to the city. It is a national facility, belonging to the ministry, he told reporters.
Restrooms only for airport passengers in Madrid. What about the homeless?
The management of Barajas Airport responded to these concerns. They pointed out that the facility was not equipped for residential purposes. The situation is tense because the Madrid authorities have been accused of being ineffective and sluggish in dealing with homelessness.
Social organizations estimate that around 2,000 people are homeless in the capital of Spain. Most of them are about 40 years old and have been living on the streets for at least a year. The most common reason is the lack of employment opportunities.
People in crisis rely on help from non-governmental organizations, including Catholic ones. The changes at the airport could lead to a situation where it becomes impossible to serve all those in need.
