Travelers Face Long Waits at Tenerife South Airport Amid EES Machine Failures

Travelers at Tenerife South Airport are experiencing significant disruptions as a mere fraction of the newly installed biometric passport control machines are operational. This malfunction has led to extensive delays, affecting both incoming and outgoing passengers.

Current State of EES Machines

As of now, only five out of the 36 Entry/Exit System (EES) eGates are functioning, resulting in long queues that stretch beyond the terminal and onto the tarmac. Reports indicate that waiting times have soared to over 90 minutes, causing considerable frustration among travelers who are eager to begin their vacations or return home.

Since their installation in November, many of these biometric machines have encountered various technical issues, including persistent door malfunctions and connectivity problems. As a result, at least a dozen units remain out of service, compounding the difficulties for passengers arriving at the airport. The situation has raised serious concerns about the reliability of the new technology and its readiness for high traffic periods.

Reactions from the Tourism Sector

The hotel association Ashotel has voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing delays, describing them as a recurring issue that has not been adequately addressed despite previous warnings. They attribute the persistent problems to a lack of proactive measures from AENA, the authority responsible for airport infrastructure, and the Ministry of the Interior, which oversees staffing and border control technology.

José Fernando Cabrera, president of FAST (Foro Amigos del Sur), has highlighted the potential repercussions for Tenerife’s crucial British tourism market. He characterized the current situation as a long-standing issue that AENA has failed to rectify, stressing that previous incidents have led to unacceptable waiting times at what is supposed to be a major international airport. Cabrera’s comments underscore the urgent need for improvements to ensure a seamless travel experience for visitors.

Official Responses and Ongoing Issues

In contrast to the concerns raised by industry stakeholders, the Ministry of the Interior has denied any structural problems at the airport. Officials assert that operations are proceeding as normal and claim there is no record of persistent overcrowding. They attribute the delays to isolated instances of flight arrivals and temporary IT issues, suggesting that the situation is not as dire as it appears.

However, this ongoing situation continues to alarm passengers and the tourism sector alike. Many are worried that prolonged passport control queues could tarnish the international reputation of the Canary Islands, a popular destination for travelers from around the globe. The combination of technical failures and inadequate responses from authorities has left many questioning the readiness of the airport to handle peak travel seasons.

Key points

• Only 15% of the new biometric passport control machines at Tenerife South Airport are operational.
• Currently, five out of 36 Entry/Exit System (EES) eGates are in use.
• Waiting times have exceeded 90 minutes, leading to significant frustration among travelers.
• Ashotel has condemned the delays as a routine issue affecting holidaymakers.
• José Fernando Cabrera warned of potential damage to Tenerife’s British tourism market.
• The Ministry of the Interior claims the airport is operating normally despite the ongoing delays.
• Concerns persist regarding the impact of long queues on the international image of the Canary Islands.