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Top Spanish Airports Facing EES Launch Challenges – Stay Informed!

December 2, 2025
Team World

Problems at Spanish Airports During EES Rollout: What You Need to Know

Are you a traveler planning a visit to sunny Spain soon? If you’re coming from a non-EU country, you might want to know about the ongoing issues at some of the airports due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Since its implementation, several airports are facing challenges, leading to longer wait times and technical glitches.

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is part of the European Union’s tourist visa regulations targeting non-resident, non-EU visitors. This system started on October 12, 2025, at Madrid Airport. The goal is to collect biometric information, like fingerprints and photos, to streamline border control. While some airports have smoothly transitioned to this new system, others are still struggling with its rollout, leading to frustrations among travelers.

Airports Facing Issues

Here’s a closer look at some of the airports in Spain where travelers are still encountering problems with the EES.

1. Tenerife South Airport

Tenerife South Airport introduced the EES on November 6 and soon faced significant issues. Reports flooded in about long queues, causing delays and overcrowding in the terminal. A video shared on social media showed chaos, with travelers stuck in line. Although some improvement has been noted, many passengers are still reporting mixed experiences.

One traveler mentioned, “I was frustrated because only 6 of the dozens of machines were working.” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “There are short periods with many flights leading to delays, but sometimes the process is surprisingly quick.” Therefore, if you’re flying into Tenerife, it’s best to be prepared for a potential wait.

2. Málaga Airport

Málaga Airport has experienced its fair share of chaos, as reported by local news and passengers alike. The opposition party, PP, criticized the government for inadequate responses to long queues. Mario Cortés, a representative for Málaga, highlighted the growing complaints from travelers facing congestion due to EES checks.

Inside Málaga’s Facebook community, opinions varied widely. One traveler noted the long waits, while another countered that following procedures made the process quick. If you’re traveling through Málaga, especially during peak December dates, giving yourself extra time is crucial.

3. Alicante Airport

Alicante Airport is facing similar EES-related issues. Many passengers have reported delays, often waiting up to an hour due to malfunctioning machines that fail to read fingerprints. Frustration among travelers is growing, as reported on various social media forums.

One member of a local Facebook group noted, “Most of the machines are out of order,” adding that even after using the EES, they had to go through regular passport control. However, experiences at Alicante can be random, as some travelers reported smooth passages while others had long waits.

Interestingly, the weekend sees the most complaints, particularly on Friday to Sunday mornings and evenings. So, if you’re flying during these times, factor in extra hours for potential delays.

General Advice for Travelers

Given the ongoing issues, here are a few tips for anyone traveling to Spain through these airports:

  • Arrive Early: Considering the delays, aim to arrive early at the airport. This could save you from stress, especially during busy times.

  • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local updates concerning EES implementations, as the situation continues to change.

  • Be Patient: Technical hiccups happen, and remaining patient will help you have a better travel experience.

In conclusion, while Spain is a beautiful destination to visit, the current EES rollout has caused some bumps in the road for travelers. By staying informed and planning ahead, your journey can still be enjoyable.

Remember to check your airport’s official website for any updates on the EES system. Safe travels!

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Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20251202/which-airports-in-spain-are-having-problems-with-the-ees-launch