25/08/2025
For nearly a quarter of a century, the taxi stand at Seville Airport has been a focal point of controversy, shadowed by allegations of a clandestine 'taxi mafia' controlling operations. Recent events have brought this long-standing issue sharply into focus, as National Police vans returned to the arrivals terminal, signalling a decisive crackdown. This latest intervention aims to dismantle what authorities describe as a forced monopoly, restoring fairness and order to one of Andalusia's busiest transport hubs.
The current investigation, dubbed 'Operation Aertase', marks a significant escalation in efforts to combat illicit practices that have plagued taxi services at San Pablo Airport since 2001. Initiated by the information brigade of Seville's provincial police station, the operation has already led to the arrest of 18 individuals, including more than a dozen taxi drivers. These individuals are currently under investigation for serious offences, including coercion, threats, damages, and belonging to a criminal organisation. The Subdelegation of the Government has confirmed that the investigation has been ongoing for several months, with further arrests not ruled out as the operation remains active.
Operation Aertase: A Decisive Blow Against Illicit Control
The recent arrests, carried out by agents from the UIP (Police Intervention Units) and the Citizen Security Brigade across several municipalities in Seville province, stem from a multitude of complaints. Pedro Fernández, the Government Delegate in Andalusia, revealed that the operation was launched following approximately twenty formal complaints. These complaints came not only from other taxi drivers but also from VTC (Vehicle for Hire with Driver) license holders and even private individuals – all of whom had previously highlighted the untenable situation at the airport's taxi rank.
Fernández explicitly pointed to 'Solidaridad del Taxi' (Taxi Solidarity), a prominent Seville taxi organisation, as being responsible for these monopolistic practices. This situation, he explained, involved preventing other licensed taxi drivers from operating freely at the airport, thereby creating a forced monopoly. While the conflict between traditional taxis and VTC companies like Uber and Cabify has seen peaks of tension in Andalusia, the issues at Seville Airport precede the widespread adoption of VTCs, tracing back to the early 2000s.
Beyond the 18 arrests, Operation Aertase has also led to 20 additional individuals being placed under investigation, with the proceedings now before Seville's Instruction Court No. 4. Following the arrests, 'Élite Taxi', another significant taxi guild in the Andalusian capital, issued a statement condemning 'Solidaridad del Taxi' for its "mafia-like attitudes," which they claim are "known throughout the sector and by the citizenry." Furthermore, Élite Taxi also implicated a third association, 'Unión Sevillana del Taxi', for its "clear and manifest connivance" with the group accused of these illicit practices at the airport.
The Allure of the Airport Stand: Why It's So Coveted
The taxi stand at Seville Airport is arguably the most lucrative and fiercely contested in the entire Andalusian capital. This desirability largely stems from a decision made in 2001 by the local government under socialist Mayor Alfredo Sánchez Monteseirín, which established a controversial single fixed tariff for journeys to and from the airport, irrespective of the distance travelled. Consumer organisations like Facua have consistently labelled this fixed fare as abusive. The Seville City Council recently approved the tariff for 2025, setting the general price at 25.71 euros. This price escalates further to 28.66 euros on weekends, public holidays, and during special events such as the Feria de Abril or Semana Santa.
The lack of viable alternatives further amplifies the airport stand's appeal. While an airport bus service exists, its frequencies are limited, and a ticket costs 6 euros. Crucially, a railway connection to Seville Airport remains a long-standing omission in the city's infrastructure catalogue, leaving road transport as the primary option. The rise of VTCs has indeed broadened competition for airport transfers, yet their presence has often been met with resistance from the traditional taxi sector. As of last December, official data from the Ministry of Transport shows 2,144 taxi licenses and 545 VTC licenses in Seville province, indicating a significant disparity in numbers.
The core of the problem, as described by the Government Delegate, is that a specific guild of taxi drivers dominates the airport stand, actively preventing other professionals from operating there regularly. This claim has consistently been denied by 'Solidaridad del Taxi'. Antonio Velarde, the president of 'Solidaridad del Taxi', stated in a previous interview that "the airport rank is like any other." However, it has been reported by Diario de Sevilla that Velarde himself is among those detained in the ongoing 'Operation Aertase'.
A History of Legal Battles and Political Stalemate
The individuals arrested in 'Operation Aertase' are expected to be brought before a judge in the coming hours. However, Seville's courts have a history of related cases. In 2023, the Seville High Court archived a case investigating similar crimes—coercion, damages, and belonging to a criminal organisation—against 27 individuals who were acquitted. The court ruled that the procedural deadlines had been exceeded, highlighting the complexities and challenges of prosecuting such cases effectively.
Another related incident was the burning of several VTC vehicles on a farm in Castilblanco de los Arroyos during the Feria de Abril in 2017. Two taxi drivers were investigated in connection with this incident but were ultimately acquitted due to a lack of evidence regarding their authorship of the event. These past cases underscore the difficulty in securing convictions for actions widely perceived as part of an organised effort to control the airport taxi market.
The issue of airport taxis in Seville is thus not only judicial but also deeply political. Early in Alfredo Sánchez Monteseirín's mayoral term, the city council attempted to implement a regulated rotational shift system for taxi licenses at the airport. The High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) initially endorsed this initiative, but it only lasted a couple of years and subsequent attempts to reintroduce it have been unsuccessful. During the previous PSOE local government, there was a commitment to increase police presence to prevent this alleged monopoly, but no significant progress was achieved. Juan Carlos Cabrera, the Mobility Councillor at the time, was even investigated in the 2023 archived case as the head of the Taxi Institute, although he denied any complicity on the part of the city council.
Consumer organisation Facua has consistently campaigned for the elimination of the single fixed tariff, appealing to every mayor this century—two from the Popular Party (Juan Ignacio Zoido, José Luis Sanz) and two from the Socialist Party (Juan Espadas, Antonio Muñoz). Despite these persistent efforts, the fixed tariff remains in place, illustrating the entrenched nature of the problem and the political challenges in reforming it.
Impact on Passengers and the Future of Airport Transport
For passengers, the alleged monopoly at Seville Airport has meant limited choice and potentially higher, non-negotiable fares, particularly with the fixed tariff system. While the convenience of a direct taxi from the terminal is undeniable, the lack of genuine competition and the fixed pricing structure can be frustrating. The recent police action, however, offers a glimmer of hope for a more transparent and competitive environment.
For other taxi drivers and VTC operators, the situation has been one of coercion and exclusion. Reports of threats and damages against those attempting to operate freely at the airport have created an atmosphere of fear and unfairness. The ongoing 'Operation Aertase' aims to dismantle these structures, ensuring that all licensed professionals can operate without intimidation.
Comparative Table: Airport Transport Options
To help you navigate your options to and from Seville Airport, here’s a comparison of the main transport methods:
| Transport Option | Approximate Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (fixed tariff) | €25.71 (general) €28.66 (weekend/holiday) | Direct, readily available at terminal, luggage space. | Higher cost, alleged monopoly issues, no meter for airport trips. |
| VTC (Uber/Cabify) | Variable (often similar to taxi or slightly less) | Pre-booked, cashless payment, often good service, competitive pricing. | May require short walk from terminal for pickup, subject to surge pricing, fewer vehicles than taxis. |
| Airport Bus (EA Line) | €6 (single ticket) | Most economical, direct to city centre (Plaza de Armas/Santa Justa), frequent stops. | Limited frequencies outside peak hours, not door-to-door, may be crowded. |
| Private Transfer | Higher (pre-booked specific service) | Personalised service, meet & greet, comfortable, fixed price. | Most expensive option, must be pre-booked. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the 'taxi mafia' at Seville Airport?
A: It refers to allegations of a group of taxi drivers, primarily from the 'Solidaridad del Taxi' association, who have historically controlled the airport taxi stand through coercion, threats, and intimidation, preventing other licensed taxis and VTCs from operating freely there.
Q: Why is the airport taxi stand so important to taxi drivers?
A: The airport stand is highly lucrative due to a fixed tariff system for journeys to and from the airport, irrespective of distance, making it a guaranteed high-value fare. The lack of direct rail connection and limited bus options also make taxis a preferred choice for many travellers.
Q: Are VTCs like Uber and Cabify allowed at Seville Airport?
A: Yes, VTCs are licensed to operate in Seville and can pick up/drop off at the airport. However, their operations have historically faced resistance and alleged intimidation from some traditional taxi drivers.
Q: What are the current taxi fares from Seville Airport?
A: The general fixed tariff for 2025 is €25.71. On weekends, public holidays, and during special events like Feria de Abril or Semana Santa, the fare increases to €28.66.
Q: What are the alternatives to taxis at Seville Airport?
A: Alternatives include the airport bus (EA Line) for €6, VTC services like Uber and Cabify, and pre-booked private transfers.
Q: Is it safe to take a taxi from Seville Airport now?
A: While the recent police operation, Operation Aertase, indicates serious issues, taking a licensed taxi from the official rank remains generally safe. The crackdown aims to ensure that all legitimate operators can work without intimidation and that passengers receive fair service. Always use official, licensed taxis or reputable pre-booked services.
Conclusion
The recent police operation at Seville Airport represents a critical juncture in a decades-long struggle for control over its lucrative taxi stand. The arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the serious nature of the allegations, from fixed tariff issues to organised criminal activity. While the legal and political battles are complex and deeply entrenched, this decisive action offers a glimmer of hope for a future where fair competition prevails, ensuring that both passengers and drivers can operate in a transparent and equitable environment. The resolution of this long-standing conflict will not only benefit the local transport sector but also enhance Seville's reputation as a welcoming and efficiently managed destination for travellers worldwide.
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