Airport Taxi Drivers Demand Round-the-Clock Police Checks Amid VTC Dispute

Taxi drivers at Alicante-Elche Airport are demanding round-the-clock presence of Local Police following a dispute over private-hire vehicle operations at the terminal. The taxi association claims that drivers from other regions in Spain are picking up passengers for journeys to Torrevieja and Benidorm, without the necessary local authorization to provide those services.

However, the licensing status of these vehicles remains unverified by authorities. The dispute escalated during a weekend confrontation, with around 150 taxis halting operations at the airport while awaiting police inspection of the vehicles' paperwork. This delay, ranging from one to two hours, resulted in passenger disruptions.

National Police and Guardia Civil officers were initially present, but Local Police were required to conduct the specific transport checks. Taxi representatives allege that drivers faced insults, threats, and filming during these confrontations. Radio Taxi Elche also reported that individuals accused of operating an illegal transport service obstructed taxis trying to reach the rank.

The taxi drivers propose that specialist officers be stationed at the airport 24/7 to inspect permits and respond promptly to complaints. The municipal government denies the airport being left without supervision, stating that an Urban Mobility unit visits daily, along with Local Police patrols and a team conducting transport inspections in coordination with Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic.

The taxi drivers argue that this system is insufficient, particularly during peak periods and at night, emphasizing that mobility staff can manage traffic but cannot replace officers authorized to inspect transport documents and issue penalties. Their concerns extend beyond VTC operators, mentioning issues with private cars blocking traffic near the terminal and unlicensed individuals approaching passengers to offer expensive journeys.

Radio Taxi Elche and Servitaxi Elche are the official taxi operators of the airport, according to the airport operator Aena. The taxi drivers are recording vehicle registration numbers and gathering evidence themselves but insist that enforcing transport rules should be the responsibility of the authorities. The taxi association is seeking permanent talks with the council on a more permanent enforcement arrangement.