A tragic event has cast a somber shadow over Lanzarote’s popular Cesar Manrique Airport, as a British holidaymaker sadly died shortly after arriving on a flight from the UK. The man reportedly collapsed near the passport control area, a mere 22 minutes after disembarking his Jet2 plane. Despite immediate alarm and the best efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe the passing was due to natural causes, possibly a heart attack, and are not treating the incident as suspicious.
While officials state there’s no direct link to the island’s often-lengthy airport queues, this heartbreaking event has undoubtedly intensified long-standing complaints about the arrival experience. Passengers frequently face frustrating delays, with local reports describing the passport control waiting area as devoid of basic amenities like toilets and seats, often enduring “unbearable temperatures.” This creates an unwelcome first impression for many.
This situation deeply worries Lanzarote’s tourism industry leaders, who express concern that what should be a “luxury destination” is presenting a “third-world entrance” to its visitors. Long queues are a daily source of despair, particularly on Thursdays, the busiest day for UK flights. Past issues, including two-hour delays, have been attributed to the gradual introduction of new automated IT systems for non-EU citizens and an ongoing shortage of police officers for passport checks.
This unfortunate loss serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improvements in airport facilities and adequate staffing. Ensuring a comfortable, efficient, and welcoming entry is crucial for both visitor safety and the island’s cherished reputation as a top holiday spot.
Source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/brit-jet2-passenger-dies-lanzarote-36721519
