César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE): Your Enhanced Gateway to the Canary Islands
César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE/GCRR), commonly known as Arrecife Airport, stands as the principal international gateway to the stunning volcanic island of Lanzarote. Strategically located just 5 km southwest of the capital city, Arrecife, the airport operates under the management of Aena, ensuring a vital connection for tourists and residents.
The airport is named after the island’s most famous artist and architect, César Manrique, whose vision for sustainable tourism and landscape preservation defines much of Lanzarote’s unique character.
Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic and Essential Information
ACE has seen substantial growth, reinforcing its role as a major European leisure destination.
- 2024 Passenger Volume: The airport handled a record 8.7 million passengers in 2024, representing a significant increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year. This high volume confirms its standing as one of the busiest airports in the Canary Islands.
- Annual Operations: It managed over 71,000 aircraft movements in 2024.
- Key Traffic: International travelers, particularly from the UK and Germany, account for over 60% of the airport’s traffic, underscoring its popularity with Northern European holidaymakers.
- Coordinates: 28° 57′ 2” N, 13° 36′ 20” W
- ICAO Code: GCRR
Terminals, Modern Amenities, and Recent Dining Upgrades
César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport is designed for traveler comfort, operating two distinct terminals to manage diverse flight flows.
- Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handles international flights and connections to mainland Spain.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Dedicated exclusively to inter-island traffic within the Canary Archipelago.
Enhanced Services and Facilities:
| Service Category | Details and Key Features |
| Connectivity | Free, unlimited Wi-Fi access is available across both terminals. |
| VIP Lounges | VIP Lounges and Fast Lane services provide expedited security and a relaxed pre-flight experience. |
| Retail & Duty-Free | Extensive duty-free shopping options are available, alongside various specialized retail stores. |
| Dining Renovation (2025) | A recent six-year contract renewal has brought exciting culinary updates, including new brand partnerships: Enrique Tomás (premium Iberian ham and deli), AMT Coffee, and Tropical Sin Filtros. The existing Burger King has undergone a full refurbishment, featuring an expanded kitchen and new self-service kiosks for improved efficiency. |
| Accessibility | Full facilities and dedicated assistance services are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. |
| Lost & Found | For baggage or property inquiries, the general airport phone number is +34 902 404 704. |
| Payment | All services and vendors primarily accept payments in EUR (€). |