Puerto Santiage, Tenerife. Picture Credit: Shutterstock
If you have travelled through a major European airport recently, you may already have experienced it: longer queues, extended waiting times and increased border checks.
Since the European Union introduced its new Entry Exit System (EES), airports across Europe have reported disruption, and the Canary Islands have become one of the latest regions to raise concerns.
Now, one of the Canary Islands' most influential political parties is calling for action to reduce delays affecting both residents and tourists.
What Is the EU Entry Exit System?
The European Union's Entry Exit System (EES) is a new border management programme designed to record the entry and departure of non-EU travellers using biometric data.
British holidaymakers travelling to Spain and other EU destinations are among those affected by the new checks.
The system became operational in April and was intended to strengthen border security while modernising immigration procedures.
However, implementation has proven challenging, with airports reporting significant delays as passengers complete the new registration process.
Why Are Airport Queues Growing in the Canary Islands?
Reports from airports across Europe have highlighted long queues, congestion and extended waiting times for both arriving and departing passengers.
At airports including Tenerife South, images showing crowded immigration areas have attracted widespread attention.
Some travellers have reportedly experienced delays severe enough to place onward travel plans at risk.
David Morales, tourism spokesperson for the People's Party (PP) in the Canary Islands, has criticised the rollout and warned that the images could damage the islands' reputation as a convenient and welcoming holiday destination.
The Canary Islands have long relied on tourism, particularly visitors from the United Kingdom, making airport efficiency a significant concern for local politicians and businesses.
Could Spain Suspend EES Checks?
The push for change follows a recent decision by Greece to temporarily suspend EES requirements for British arrivals.
That move has encouraged politicians in other tourism-dependent regions to seek similar measures.
The People's Party in the Canary Islands plans to ask Spain to invoke EU Regulation 2025/1534, which allows member states to temporarily suspend EES checks at specific border crossings when operational problems create excessive delays.
The proposal is intended as a temporary solution while authorities address technical and staffing issues affecting the system.
What Problems Have Been Identified?
The People's Party argues that several factors are contributing to delays:
- Insufficient biometric processing equipment
- Limited technological resources at checkpoints
- Shortages of National Police officers
- Airport facilities struggling to manage passenger volumes
Morales has also urged AENA, which manages Spanish airports, to improve infrastructure and passenger flow management, particularly on routes serving the United Kingdom.
What Happens Next?
The proposal will be debated in the Canary Islands' regional parliament, where the People's Party is seeking support to pressure the Spanish government into requesting a temporary suspension.
As a key coalition partner in the regional government, the party's position is likely to receive significant attention.
Whether Spain follows Greece's example remains uncertain. While the European Commission is unlikely to support widespread exemptions from a system years in development, pressure from tourism-dependent regions continues to grow.
What It Means for British Holidaymakers
For travellers heading to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and other Canary Islands destinations, the situation is worth monitoring.
If Spain agrees to suspend EES checks at affected airports, waiting times could reduce significantly. If not, travellers may wish to allow extra time for both arrivals and departures during busy periods.
While the Canary Islands remain one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations with Cheekytrip customers, the introduction of EES has added a new layer of complexity to airport travel that may persist until operational issues are resolved.
