British holidaymakers caught in airport chaos
British holidaymakers have complained of hours-long queues at one of Portugal’s biggest airports.
Passengers said staff shortages and malfunctioning e-gates led to the delays at Faro Airport, which is a gateway to popular resort destinations on the Algarve.
Children were said to have left in tears while one passenger is reported to have passed out while waiting.
Yvette Hughes wrote on Twitter: “What the hell is going on? Three and a half hours queuing through security.
“My knees are swollen, someone has passed out, children are crying. Not a bit of information from anyone.”
Carnage at faro airport 🫣 pic.twitter.com/gIvXnlpCc8
— meriel john 🏴 (@MerielJohn) March 31, 2024
The airline told her: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. However, the same has been forwarded to us for a quick action.
“Kindly send us a direct message and we will update you at earliest and accordingly.”
Ms Hughes later responded by saying: “Still queuing and no reply. Four hours.”
Parson James wrote on Twitter:
Legitimately been in line for customs for 3 hours at faro airport. My flight was only an hour and 40. lol pic.twitter.com/sqsQpUu9z2
— Parson James (@ParsonJames) March 31, 2024
Jeff Stelling wrote:
Faro Airport. Not enough staff, electronic gates that don't work. People stuck for over 3 hours and not moving. Happy Easter. pic.twitter.com/PuCP6fPDKn
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) March 31, 2024
The delays come as those taking a bank holiday break closer to home were warned of disruption on Monday.
The RAC and transport analysis company Inrix said 2.01 million leisure journeys would be made by car on Easter Monday, with the lengthiest delays expected between 10am and noon.
