Balearic Islands’ Tourism Minister Warns Against Airport Blockades in Anti-Tourism Protests

The Tourism Minister of the Balearic Islands, Jaume Bauzà, has issued a stern warning regarding anti-tourism protests, emphasizing that blocking airports is a criminal act. This comes amid rising threats to disrupt travel hubs as a form of protest.

During a parliamentary session, Minister Bauzà called for peaceful demonstrations, stressing that while the government respects all opinions, obstructing an airport is a serious offense. This statement was made in response to increasing threats aimed at interrupting operations at major travel hubs.

In addressing the citizens’ assembly on tourist overcrowding, Bauzà highlighted the government’s stance on civil expression. "Protests must be peaceful and not jeopardize public safety," he said. He further noted that disrupting Palma de Mallorca Airport, also known as Son San Joan, is "unacceptable" and warned that such actions could severely impact daily life for many.

On May 25, a significant protest took place in Palma’s Weyler Square in Majorca, with over 15,000 participants, following a similar demonstration in Ibiza the previous day. The protests reflected local frustration over the adverse effects of mass tourism. Similar movements have occurred in Tenerife, Lanzarote, and other Canary Islands.

Given that Majorca attracts over 2.3 million British tourists annually, an airport blockade could cause substantial delays and potentially overwhelm airport operations. This highlights the potential for severe disruptions if protestors were to block travel hubs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order during demonstrations.