A British family from Essex was left astonished after arriving at Tenerife South airport at 7pm, expecting severe delays but finding the terminal completely deserted. This comes amid ongoing disruptions linked to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has caused lengthy queues and missed flights for many holidaymakers in recent weeks.
Family's Unexpected Experience
Carly Hunnibell and her family were bracing for the worst when they headed to the airport to fly back to the UK. However, upon entering the terminal, they were greeted by an empty hall. Taking to TikTok, Carly filmed their walk through the airport, showing no queues at check-in or security. She captioned the video: "Tenerife airport completely empty... after all the horror stories we walked right through, don't panic." The family proceeded directly to their gate without any waiting.
Commenters on the video shared similar positive experiences. One user wrote: "Gran Canaria airport was the same yesterday, was through within 20 minutes and that included collecting our luggage! No more listening to the scare mongers on TikTok!" Another added: "Got through like a charm today."
Why Have Delays Occurred?
The primary cause of previous delays at Tenerife airport and other European hubs is the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). This automated IT system replaced physical passport stamping for non-EU nationals travelling into the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Launched in October 2025, it aims to be fully operational by April 2026. The system registers biometrics, facial images, and fingerprints to track entry and exit, enhancing security.
During the transition, travellers have faced significant queues, with some missing flights despite arriving hours early. Even those with EU passports, who are not directly affected by EES, have experienced disruption due to the backlog. As a result, authorities advise arriving at the airport well in advance of scheduled departures.
Despite these warnings, the Hunnibell family's experience suggests that conditions can vary. Travelers are encouraged to check current airport status and plan accordingly.
