In the next month or so Gran Canaria might open again. Many tourists that visit each year plan to return following the pandemic Covid-19. July 2020 is the month when mainland Spain will open it’s borders again. However, it is unclear whether the Canary Islands will follow suit. The islands including Gran Canaria have one of the lowest death rates from Covid-19. The Canary Government want to keep it that way. So then with Covid-19 – What you need to know when travelling via Gran Canaria Airport.
Obviously Health & Safety when travelling is a paramount concern. Both the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have been working hard. They have produced a document outlining strict protocol to protect the health and safety of all air travellers from Covid-19.
The question remains. Is it safe to travel to Gran Canaria due to coronavirus? At the time of writing the UK Government state “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.”
So what is the current status at the airport? According to AENA two-thirds of the terminal building at Las Palmas Airport are currently closed. The Long-Stay car park and two floors of the General car park are also closed. A couple of shops, including the Spar and Chemist are open now. Plans for a few more shops opening on July 1st, with others opening their doors on July 15th.
In line with government legislation there has been installed Thermal Imaging Cameras at Gran Canaria Airport under the direction from AENA. They also have been incorporating all the safety measures required to ensure passenger health and safety. This includes providing visible markings on the airports floor to ensure social distancing is adhered too. Wearing of facial masks when inside the airport and onboard a flight. Hand sanitisers located throughout the airport.
Passengers are required to take personal responsibility for themselves and the health of others. To practice good hygiene standards of washing hands frequently. Keeping your distance, and proper respiratory etiquette.
If a passenger has any of the Covid-19 symptoms he should not come to Gran Canaria Airport. They need to make arrangements to isolate and change his travel dates accordingly. If a higher than normal body temperature is detected at the airport then the person will be examined by health professionals to determine whether they can fly. Below are a few things to consider when travelling through Gran Canaria Airport!