Airport Restrictions Leave Hundreds Homeless at Madrid-Barajas

Madrid-Barajas Airport Implements Access Restrictions, Leaving Homeless Individuals in Limbo On May 22nd, 2025, Madrid-Barajas Airport implemented new access restrictions to its terminals, impacting the homeless population who often seek shelter within the airport. From 9 pm to 5 am, security personnel only permitted entry to passengers with tickets and their companions. This measure, intended to improve security and passenger flow, has raised concerns about the welfare of the homeless individuals who rely on the airport for shelter. "Some of the people we spoke with said they didn't notice a significant decrease in the number of people here, despite the new controls," reported a Telemadrid journalist at the scene. The video shows several individuals sleeping on the floor, wrapped in blankets and surrounded by their belongings. The reporter also noted that some homeless individuals arrived before 9 pm to avoid the restrictions, highlighting the challenges they face in finding alternative shelter. The situation has prompted a meeting between Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and AENA, the airport authority, scheduled for 6:30 pm on May 22nd. The mayor has already stated his intention to discuss solutions with AENA, considering the approximately 400 homeless individuals currently present at the airport. Social services have conducted a survey to determine how many might accept assistance, but according to the mayor, the number is expected to be low. The video concludes with footage of some individuals waking up and others leaving for work, showcasing the daily realities of the homeless individuals at the airport.