Ryanair has sharply criticized Portuguese border control operations, highlighting severe delays and staff shortages that have left passengers, including families with young children, waiting up to two and a half hours. The airline reports that over 270 passengers have missed their flights in just the last two weeks due to these disruptions at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports.
Staff Shortages Cause Havoc
The budget carrier is urging the Portuguese government to address the staffing crisis urgently, especially during peak travel times. Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s COO, labeled the situation as "unacceptable", emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further inconvenience as the summer season progresses.
E-Gates Offer Little Relief
Despite the recent introduction of e-gate access for British arrivals at Faro Airport, travelers still face long queues, with some reporting waits of nearly 30 minutes. This development comes as the UK government anticipates millions of Brits utilizing e-gate technology this summer for smoother travel.
Government Response
In response to the growing outcry, Portugal’s PSP police force has announced plans to deploy 500 new border officers by July, aiming to alleviate the pressure during the tourist peak. Francisco Vieira Pita, director of ANA, acknowledged the delays, attributing them to upgrades in the Internal Security System (SSI) and assured efforts to minimize passenger impact.
Ryanair continues to advocate for swift governmental intervention to ensure that travelers can enjoy their holidays without undue stress.
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