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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
Cormac O'Shea

Security wait times in Spain's most popular airports as travel chaos sweeps Europe ahead of Irish holidays

The UK and Ireland are experiencing major airport issues with staff shortages leading to lengthy queues at security.

Dublin Airport have been under particularly strain with some now having to arrive up to four hours early for their flights.

But over in England, Manchester and Heathrow airports are seeing the exact same issues.

Germany's biggest airport operator Fraport also warned passengers of Easter delays.

The group, which runs facilities in nine countries and the main airport in Frankfurt, aims to hire 1,000 worker this year and recruited about 300 in January-March, a spokesperson said.

Read more: New tourist tax for one region moves step closer as Irish holidaymakers dealt blow

How about if you're heading to Spain? Here's all you need to know.

Are Spanish airports seeing major delays?

So far, airports in Spain are not reporting the levels of delay that are sweeping Ireland and the UK, but there are warnings from individual ports about how long you need to be there ahead of your flight time.

Madrid Barajas Airport

"It is necessary that you arrive to the airport at least two or three hours prior to your flight, in order to check-in your luggage and pass the security controls. Keep in mind there could be many people during holidays or in special days.

"You should always observe the monitors or information panels with regard to the check-in counters and the boarding gate corresponding to your flight, as there may exceptionally occur last-minute changes."

Barcelona Airport

"The passenger should be at the check-in counter at least with :

For No Schengen flights: 3 hours prior the departure scheduled time.
For Schengen and domestic flights: 2 hours prior the departure scheduled time.
Note that there might be many people at peak travel periods or special event dates."

Palma Airport

All Irish travellers are advised to arrived at least two hours before departure to give themselves time - although local media reports that some delays are possible.

A report says: "All non-Spanish residents will have to have their passport stamped on entry and departure and opposition political parties are calling on the government to increase the number of immigration officers at key airports like Palma to prevent massive queues this summer."

(AFP via Getty Images)

Malaga Airport

The general rule of two or three hours applies again here, but the website promises they will be quick, a spokesperson says: "Remember, security staff is working to ensure passenger safety. While security controls can be frustrating at times, everyone needs to cooperate in order to make procedures as easy and quick as possible.

"AENA the Malaga Airport operators target 10 minutes as the service level for passing security."

Alicante Airport

This is no different, two to three hours is the rule, but they also ask tourists to be polite to staff if busy, stating: "If you are questioned by security staff, being friendly and polite will go a long way in moving things along as quickly as possible. It is worth keeping in mind that the procedures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety when flying."

Gran Canaria Airport

Two or three hours again, this airport is open 24 hours a day which does help with not as much of an early morning rush.

READ MORE: Shopping up by 50%, empty petrol stations and crisp shortage - the EU problems we hope won't reach Ireland

READ MORE: Major weather warnings in place as snow storm hits popular sun holiday destinations

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