Madrid airport's restroom rule sparks homeless controversy
Madrid-Barajas Airport serves the most passengers in Spain. The airport's management has implemented a change they described as innovative. However, the city's residents had a different name for it, sparking some controversy. The issue revolves around the restrooms available on site.
Madrid-Barajas Airport is testing a new restroom access system that limits usage solely to passengers with a boarding pass. For the time being, the change applies to just one family restroom in Terminal 4. The airport operator, Aena, suggests that this innovative solution aims to improve cleanliness and order.
The decision has faced criticism, particularly regarding homeless individuals who often find refuge at the facility. According to "El Español," up to 500 people affected by the crisis sleep there. The authorities assert that the new system is not intended to exclude anyone; rather, it aims to better manage access to the sanitary facilities.
This approach has not been well-received by city residents. They are concerned that the homeless will be displaced from the airport and will start appearing in the city center. The tragic event that occurred on March 20 of this year is also noteworthy.
At that time, the body of a man over 60 years old was found in the departure hall. This incident triggered a dispute between Aena and the city council. José Fernández, the delegate for social policy, highlighted that most of the homeless individuals at the airport are asylum seekers, making it challenging to redirect them 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 comments, stating that the facility was not equipped for residential purposes. The situation remains tense because the Madrid authorities have faced accusations of being ineffective and slow in addressing homelessness.
Social organizations estimate that around 2,000 people are homeless in the capital of Spain. Most are approximately 40 years old and have been living on the streets for at least a year, mainly due to the lack of employment opportunities.
People in crisis often rely on assistance from non-governmental organizations, including Catholic ones. The changes at the airport could make it impossible to serve all those in need.
