AENA Takes Action to Reduce Passport Control Queues for British Travellers
Recent headlines about long queues at Spanish airports have understandably caused concern for travellers, especially those visiting from the UK. Reports of delays of up to three hours at passport control have raised questions about whether now is the right time to travel.
The good news? Spain’s airport operator, AENA, has taken steps to ease the situation—and for most visitors, holidays are continuing smoothly.
Why Are There Delays at Spanish Airports?
The queues are largely linked to the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new EU-wide border control system. This system requires non-EU travellers—including British tourists—to register biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans when entering the Schengen Zone.
While this adds an extra step at passport control, it’s important to understand that:
- The process is quick after first registration
- Delays are mainly happening during peak arrival times
- Airports world wide are still adjusting to the new system
In short, this is a transition phase—not a permanent disruption.
What AENA Is Doing to Help Travellers
To ensure a smoother experience, AENA has introduced a range of practical measures across Spain’s busiest airports:
- Flexible queue management – Staff are actively redirecting passengers to faster lanes when needed
- Reopening traditional passport lanes – Manual stamping is being used to ease pressure on biometric systems
- Priority assistance – Families, elderly passengers, and those with reduced mobility are being fast-tracked
- Better flight coordination – Arrival times are being staggered to avoid congestion
These steps are already helping to reduce waiting times and improve passenger flow.
Should You Be Worried About Your Trip?
For the vast majority of travellers, the answer is no.
While delays have made headlines, they are:
- Temporary and situational
- Mostly limited to busy travel periods
- Being actively managed by airport authorities
If you’re travelling to Lanzarote, you can still expect the same welcoming experience the island is known for.
Travel Tips to Avoid Delays
If you want extra peace of mind, a few simple steps can make your journey even smoother:
- Allow a little extra time on arrival
- Have your passport ready and accessible
- Follow airport staff directions—they are there to help keep things moving
- Travel during off-peak times where possible
- Be prepared with extra refreshments if travelling with children
- Consider booking airport assistance if someone your travelling with may struggle to wait in queues
Enjoy your Lanzarote trip like always!
