Tenerife’s major airport faced disruptions when passport scanning machines malfunctioned, causing inconvenience to travelers. The situation escalated when a passenger had her arm caught in the gates.
Reports revealed that tourists endured extensive queues for biometric passport checks, with machines either non-functional or rejecting valid passports. A woman encountered a distressing incident when the gates closed prematurely, trapping her arm until a lone staff member intervened amidst handling a large crowd.
The airport’s inefficiency drew criticism from airlines like Ryanair, advising passengers to anticipate delays at manual passport controls and avoid unnecessary shopping distractions. The lack of sufficient staff exacerbated the delays, with one passenger highlighting the tardiness of passport checkers in opening booths.
Adding to the chaos, Tenerife airport is implementing the new EU entry-exit system, requiring travelers to undergo biometric scans. The British Embassy acknowledged potential delays across Spanish airports due to the system’s introduction, as seen in Madrid where queues reportedly exceeded an hour.
Expressing frustration, the passenger trapped in the biometric gate emphasized the chaotic conditions and stressed the need for airport improvements. Travelers voiced discontent over the malfunctioning biometric machines, emphasizing the inconvenience and anger among stranded passengers.
Tourists criticized Tenerife airport’s substandard service, deeming it unacceptable for an island reliant on tourism. Calls for immediate action to rectify the situation, including addressing the malfunctioning biometric machines, were made in response to the ongoing disruptions.