An elderly British man has been detained by authorities at a major Canary Islands airport after a shocking attempt to travel with his late wife.
Airport Security Makes Grim Discovery
The incident unfolded at Tenerife South airport on Tuesday, 13th January 2026. According to reports, the 80-year-old man was proceeding through the terminal with his wife, who was seated in a wheelchair. Airport staff, including security personnel, grew concerned when they noticed the woman was completely unresponsive.
Their suspicions deepened upon a closer check, which revealed the woman had an unusually low body temperature. This prompted an immediate intervention, leading to the man's arrest. He was reportedly attempting to board a flight with his deceased spouse.
Investigation Underway in Popular Tourist Destination
Local police and Guardia Civil officers are now leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death and the subsequent events at the airport. The case has sent shockwaves through the airport community in Tenerife, a hub for millions of British tourists every year.
Authorities have not released the identities of the man or his wife, nor have they disclosed the intended destination of the flight. An autopsy is expected to be carried out to determine the exact cause and time of the woman's death.
Protocols and Aftermath
The arrest highlights the stringent security and health protocols in place at international transport hubs. Airport officials are trained to spot irregularities, but this case presents an exceptionally rare and tragic scenario.
The man remains in custody as of Wednesday, 14th January 2026, while investigators piece together the timeline of events leading up to the airport incident. The British Foreign Office is believed to be providing consular assistance.
This breaking story continues to develop, with more details anticipated from Spanish law enforcement in the coming days.
