Tenerife South Airport experienced severe disruptions on March 26, 2026, as new EU biometric entry and exit checks led to queues stretching up to four hours, causing widespread flight delays and passenger frustration.www.telegraph.co.ukwww.travelandtourworld.com Holidaymakers reported "total mayhem" at border controls, with the mandatory biometric scans—requiring fingerprints and facial recognition for non-EU travelers—overwhelming understaffed checkpoints. Officials confirmed the delays stemmed directly from the rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), exacerbating peak travel pressures.www.majorcadailybulletin.com

The chaos rippled through operations, forcing multiple flights to hold on runways or divert passengers, while airlines urged travelers to arrive three hours early. British holidaymakers were hit hardest, facing extended waits amid the system's teething problems, which one report described as "unbelievable." Social media footage showed snaking lines spilling outside terminals, with families and business travelers stranded.

Adding to Spain's travel woes, upcoming ground handling strikes at airports like Palma and Ibiza—starting March 27—threaten further baggage delays, compounding EES issues already plaguing border controls nationwide. Airport authorities are scrambling to hire more staff and streamline processes, but experts warn disruptions could persist for weeks as the system stabilizes. Travelers to Tenerife and beyond are advised to check updates before heading to the airport.