Lanzarote, a popular holiday destination for UK tourists, is facing an alarming situation at its main airport, César Manrique. Passengers, particularly those arriving from the European Union, are experiencing lengthy queues, overcrowding, and a chaotic atmosphere due to a combination of factors.
The primary cause of the delays is attributed to the outdated processing methods at Terminal 1 (T1), where both EU and non-EU travelers are funneled into the same lines, leading to significant bottlenecks. The situation is further exacerbated by a shortage of National Police officers, responsible for passport control. This inadequate staffing has resulted in lengthy wait times, missed flights, and considerable inconvenience for travelers.
Marcos Santiago, Secretary General of the Unified Police Syndicate, has highlighted the need for urgent improvements to the airport’s infrastructure and procedures. He emphasizes that the current system is outdated and does not meet the demands of modern travel regulations. Santiago calls for a complete overhaul of the processing methods to streamline passenger flow, reduce congestion in Terminal 1, and enhance overall airport operations.
The consequences of these delays have been severe, with travelers reporting missed flights and significant disruptions to their travel plans. One anonymous passenger, who was returning to Stansted for cancer treatment, shared their harrowing experience, detailing how they missed their flight due to the excessive wait at passport control. The passenger also expressed frustration over the chaotic situation, highlighting how families were separated and Ryanair had to spend over an hour removing luggage from the plane after the delays.
Ryanair, the airline involved in this specific incident, has acknowledged the delays but maintains that they were beyond their control, stemming from the issues at Lanzarote Airport’s passport control. The airline has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers who missed their flight but emphasizes that they would have been able to board had they reached the gate before its closure.
As the summer travel season continues, UK tourists planning to visit Lanzarote are strongly advised to allocate ample time for airport processing and be prepared for potential delays. The ongoing challenges at César Manrique Airport serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for modernization of airport facilities and procedures to ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
