Feb 11 • 12:04 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Brits face 'horrendous' 3-hour queues on tarmac at Tenerife after huge changes in airport

British tourists in Tenerife are experiencing severe delays at the airport, with reports of three-hour queues and problems stemming from a new entry and exit system.

Tourists visiting Tenerife, a popular holiday destination, are reporting significant delays at the airport, with some facing queues of up to three hours. Many travelers have expressed frustration as they find themselves waiting outside on the tarmac, particularly affecting elderly passengers who have endured waits of two hours just to clear security. This situation has drawn attention as it disrupts the start of their vacations, causing distress and dissatisfaction among those accustomed to smoother airport experiences.

The issues are attributed to the recently implemented Entry/Exit System (EES) that came into effect for British travelers on October 12, 2025. Under this new system, travelers are required to go through additional checks upon entering EU countries, which has resulted in bottlenecks and lengthy queues at the airport. Reports indicate that out of the 36 new eGate systems, only five are currently operational, greatly limiting processing capacity and leading to the congested conditions at the airport.

As the holiday season approaches, the impact of these changes raises concerns about the overall travel experience for Britons visiting Tenerife. With many planning their vacations around holiday breaks, the long wait times could deter future visits, and airport authorities may need to address these inefficiencies promptly to restore traveler confidence and ensure a smoother entry process in the future.

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