The Portuguese government on Monday launched a summer contingency plan at the country’s airports, pledging unprecedented passport staff amid chaotic scenes at Lisbon and other airports in Europe.
The contingency plan includes 176 additional police officers, trained in immigration procedures, assigned to passport inspectors and another 55 border facilities. Most will be sent to Lisbon airport.
Also promised for the summer is a wider use of e-passport gates, more staff to help passengers and improved data facilities.
The government said the plan is a reaction to the “exponential” backlog of arrivals, which exploded after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dozens of flights were cancelled last weekend, prompting long queues and passengers at Lisbon airport. Similar scenes have occurred across Europe and at U. S. airports.
Pressure on Lisbon’s airport eased on Monday, with several dozen flights cancelled, local media reported.
The Portuguese government has blamed the reasons for the disruption, adding an unforeseen increase in the number of travelers, cancellations elsewhere in Europe with a knock-on effect and staff shortages.
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