Mallorca
Online General Information
PALMA'S SON SANT JOAN AIRPORT
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1. Departures and arrivals: The hallways from the terminal to the aeroplane are too long |
Nothing but disasters, difficulties, and setbacks - the list of complaints about Palma's new airport is longer than some runways. And tourists are by no means the only ones to complain about this super-airport's first section which opened to the public on April 14th, 1997. Tourist guides often can't find their clients. Older and physically disabled people would appreciate more lifts, ramps and shorter access routes. | 
2. Not enough parking space for taxis, buses and people coming to pick up passengers as well as visitors |
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this chaos is the outcome of certain political policies: bad planning,
bad coordination and a hasty inauguration. And all of this under the motto:
more attractive, more comfortable and bigger - that is to say, quality
tourism. However, it looks like nobody has taken into account the 15 million
(numbers from 1998) passengers which use the airport yearly.
They are even upset in Brussels, because the faraway Balearic Islands "forgot" completely to account for the EC aid which was received as a subvention for the construction of the airport. Considering the amount was of 85% (!), there is no doubt that we are talking about figures way over average. Now they are desperately looking for someone willing to take on responsibilities. Both the airport director, Pedro Meaurio and the architect, Pere Nicolau have made it very clear that it will be neither of them. In an interview for Mallorca Magazin Nicolau stated the following: "I have just planned the airport which I was commissioned to do." |
3. The arrival lounge has too many exits, making it rather confusing |
In
these pages we have listed this 600 million peseta building's seven
deadly sins... All you need so that the chaos that is expected for
high season doesn't take you by surprise and will give you plenty of time
to prepare yourself.
The corresponding authorities are also doing everything that's in their hands to solve the most serious problems before high season begins. So breathe deeply and have a little patience - after all, Mallorca is as beautiful as it ever was.
4. Shortage of public telephones
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6. Excessively long waits for luggage |
Before we go overboard with criticisms, it must be admitted that the teak wood sun-chairs on the terrace and the marble columns in the hall are really worthy of mention. And, once, in the year 2008, the new airport is finally totally complete, it will be quite admirable. | 
7. The fingers are not functioning yet |
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© Mallorca Online 1997-2008
Photos: Peter Sylent, Massuti/Diario de Mallorca, Jaume Rosselló/Ultima Hora (2); Mallorca Magazin
Illustrations: Luque/El Dia del Mundo
