Tenerife South Airport Passport Delays Addressed by Minister as Temporary Issue

Recent passport control delays at Tenerife South Airport have been classified as a temporary issue, according to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. During a congressional session, he responded to concerns raised by MP Cristina Valido from the Canary Coalition, stating that the situation is largely due to the airlines and that efforts are underway to mitigate future disruptions. The minister’s remarks come at a time when the airport is experiencing heightened scrutiny over its operational efficiency, particularly as travel demand increases.

Government Response to Delays

The minister outlined various measures being implemented to address the ongoing passport control issues. These include an increase in both personnel and technical resources, such as the installation of automatic passport control cabins. Grande-Marlaska noted that the central government is committed to enhancing these resources, although specific details regarding the timeline or extent of these improvements were not provided. It is important to mention that 32 national police officers were assigned to the airport two months prior, yet the existing technical equipment has not been operational, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures.

Persistent Queue Problems

Valido highlighted that the queues at passport control, particularly at Tenerife South, are not confined to peak travel seasons. She referenced media reports from May and June that described the situation as chaotic, with headlines indicating that thousands of travelers were affected and families faced inhumane conditions while waiting for nearly two hours. A significant incident occurred on May 28, when over 500 individuals were stranded at the border checkpoint due to a lack of staff and effective resources. This incident has sparked public outrage and calls for immediate action to rectify the ongoing issues.

Recurrent Justifications

Grande-Marlaska’s reassurances echo similar claims made in December, when he stated that personnel had been increased and discussions with Aena were ongoing to prevent such occurrences. Valido emphasized that the minister had previously described the situation as a temporary issue, raising concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. The repeated nature of these justifications has led to skepticism among local officials and residents, who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of tangible improvements.

Concerns Over Resource Allocation

Despite the addition of personnel, Valido pointed out that the current staffing levels remain inadequate. She criticized Aena for its inaction, as it is responsible for managing flight slots and arrivals. With the high travel season approaching in October, she pressed Grande-Marlaska for clarity on what measures would be taken to improve the situation. This inadequacy was acknowledged during a meeting on June 11, which included representatives from the central government, the National Police, and Aena, along with local officials. The lack of a comprehensive plan to address these issues has left many feeling uncertain about the future of travel through the airport.

Call for Equal Treatment

Valido urged the central government to extend the same level of commitment to the Canary Islands as it does to other regions. She referenced the Canary Agenda and the Statute of Autonomy, which affirm the right of local institutions to participate in the planning and management of their airports. Valido lamented that the state continues to overlook the unique challenges faced by Canary airports compared to those on the mainland. This disparity in attention and resources has led to a growing sense of frustration among residents and stakeholders in the region.

Tourism Implications

The Interior Minister acknowledged that the circumstances in the Canary Islands necessitate special consideration, particularly in light of the region’s reliance on tourism. As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, the efficiency of airport operations is crucial for maintaining the flow of visitors. Delays and operational issues not only affect travelers but can also have a significant impact on the local economy, which heavily depends on tourism revenue. The government’s ability to resolve these issues swiftly will be vital for the region’s economic stability.

Key points

• Passport delays at Tenerife South Airport have been labeled a temporary issue by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
• Measures to address the situation include increasing staff and technical resources, such as automatic passport control cabins.
• Queues at passport control have been persistent and problematic, affecting travelers beyond peak seasons.
• Over 500 people were reported stuck at the border checkpoint on May 28 due to staffing shortages.
• Concerns were raised about Aena’s management of airport resources and flight arrivals.
• Valido emphasized the need for equal treatment of Canary Islands airports compared to those on the mainland.
• The situation in the Canary Islands requires special attention due to its reliance on tourism.