Ryanair Blasts Portuguese Border Control Over Staff Shortages, Long Delays

Strategic Insights -

Passengers at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports have faced unnecessary delays of up to two and a half hours, with over 270 passengers missing their flights due to staff shortages at these busy airports. This is according to Ryanair, which has called on the Portuguese government to "urgently fix" the issue. The airline's COO, Neal McMahon, described the staff shortages as "unacceptable," warning that the problem will only worsen as traffic numbers increase during the summer season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryanair has criticized Portuguese border control for staff shortages, leading to delays of up to 2.5 hours at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports.
  • Over 270 passengers traveling from these airports have missed their flights in the last two weeks due to border control delays.
  • The airline has called on the Portuguese government to urgently address the issue, particularly during peak morning periods.
  • Ryanair's COO, Neal McMahon, has labeled the staff shortages as "unacceptable," warning of potential worsening of the issue during the summer season.
  • The UK government has introduced e-gate access for British arrivals at Faro Airport, but passengers are still experiencing long queues at the airport's border control.
  • ANA, the airport operator, is in the process of updating its Internal Security System (SSI), which has led to longer wait times in some cases.
  • The PSP police force has announced the deployment of 500 new officers to boost border control in Portuguese airports by July.

Statistics:

  • Over 270 passengers have missed their flights due to border control delays at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports in the last two weeks (26 May to 9 June).
  • The longest delay experienced by passengers was 2.5 hours at these airports.
  • The number of passengers facing delays and missed flights is expected to rise during the summer season, according to Ryanair.

Sources:

  • Ryanair statement
  • Neal McMahon, Ryanair's COO, quoted in the statement
  • Francisco Vieira Pita, director of ANA, quoted in local media
  • Announcement by PSP police force regarding the deployment of 500 new officers to boost border control in Portuguese airports
  • Statement by the UK government regarding the introduction of e-gate access for British arrivals at Faro Airport