Chaos at Tenerife Airport: Holidaymakers struggle with hours of waiting!

Chaos at Tenerife Airport: Holidaymakers struggle with hours of waiting!

On May 30, 2025, British holidaymakers reported significant problems at the Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur Reina Sofía airport. Passport control proved extremely time-consuming, with waits of over two hours for more than 500 travelers. These chaotic conditions resulted from the fact that only two out of four passport checkpoints were manned, while the UK school holidays had begun and there was a significant increase in arrivals. The situation was described as “inhumane” by one holidaymaker, who reported the overcrowded conditions.

Waiting times were further exacerbated by several simultaneous arrivals of flights from non-Schengen countries. Travelers not only waited a long time at the airport counter, but also had to wait on the plane for 45 minutes before they were allowed to get off. Another problem was the non-functioning escalators in the arrivals hall, which posed a significant challenge for families with small children and the elderly, as well as passengers with heavy hand luggage.

Criticism of the infrastructure

The infrastructure at the airport was perceived by numerous critical voices as inadequate. As Lourdes Torrecillas, a holidaymaker from Bristol, explained, travelers' opinions were unanimously negative. Many felt “treated like cattle.” In addition, there were no toilets nearby, which increased the desperation of those waiting. The hotel association Ashotel warned that these shortcomings could have a negative impact on Tenerife's reputation as a holiday destination.

The problems are not new; They have occurred repeatedly since Brexit 2020, as the UK is no longer part of the Schengen area. In 2024, the Tenerife regional government called for additional police officers at the airports to cope with the influx of British tourists. Around 2.8 million British holidaymakers visit the island every year.

Need for action and demands

The ongoing difficulties with passport control are causing concern among both the hotel association and authorities. The local government is calling for an increase in staff at the Ministry of the Interior, but so far without success. It was noted that bottlenecks often arise due to staff absences due to vacation or illness. The medical calls, including travelers fainting due to the long waiting times, are not uncommon.

In addition to the challenges in screening travelers, the delayed automation of the passport control service has also been questioned. Although appropriate machines are installed, they are out of service. Torrecillas legitimately questioned why no progress has been made to improve the holidaymaker experience.

The ongoing and unresolved problems at the airport represent a significant need for action to live up to Tenerife's reputation as an attractive travel destination. Travelers coming to the Canary Islands sun deserve a smooth and pleasant start to their vacation.

For more information on the current events at Tenerife airport, read the reports from watson.de and tenerife-news.com.