VALVERDE (EL HIERRO, 17) (EUROPA PRESS)
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of El Hierro (APYME El Hierro) has urged public authorities this Thursday to rearrange the schedules for the air transfer of immigrants away from the island, to prevent the reduction of available seats on both the first and last flights to Tenerife.
This request stems from the fact that these flights are predominantly used by El Hierro residents travelling to Tenerife for medical appointments at primary hospitals, work or business obligations, and administrative tasks. Recently, the number of seats reserved for El Hierro residents has declined, including the cancellation of previously confirmed reservations, prioritising the transfer of immigrants to alternative resources off the island.
President Feliciano López has appealed for the “sensitivity” of the relevant institutions, noting that this matter “is causing distress and unease among El Hierro residents, who are affected by the cancellation of already confirmed seats or the lack of available options or waiting lists, especially on the most frequently travelled routes.”
In his view, “numerous individuals rely on travel to Tenerife to maintain their medical appointments and other obligations, many of whom are elderly and face considerable disruption if they cannot attend.”
The business association of El Hierro is advocating for the rescheduling of migrant air transfers to less busy times and days, to minimise inconvenience to residents and tourists on the island.
APYME emphasises the necessity for these measures, given that the arrival of immigrants to the island via boats and small vessels has been sporadic over the past two years and appears likely to continue for the foreseeable future, potentially impacting not just local residents of El Hierro and the Canary Islands, but also the influx of tourists to the island.