Reinforcement originally planned for summer season is beginning now
PSP police are fast-tracking the deployment of additional border police officers to Faro Airport amid growing concerns over staff exhaustion and long delays at border control.
Originally planned for the summer season, the reinforcement will now begin earlier, with 14 to 20 officers being transferred from across the country to the Faro District Command, the police force told Diário de Notícias. The move comes in response to mounting pressure from the Police Union (ASPP/PSP) and operational difficulties linked to a new airport control system.
The police force recognises that frontline officers at air borders are bearing the brunt of recent changes to the control system, which have brought “numerous challenges” and significantly slowed passenger processing times.
Thousands of travellers, particularly those arriving from outside the Schengen Area, have reportedly faced waits of up to three hours to clear immigration.
The police union warned that the situation is taking a heavy toll on officers stationed at the airport. In a statement released earlier this week, the ASPP/PSP pointed to cases of extreme fatigue, missed rest days, and even fainting episodes among staff working overtime in high-pressure conditions.
The union has formally alerted the PSP leadership and the Minister of Internal Administration to what it describes as an “unsustainable” work environment, urging immediate action to prevent further strain on officers and improve service for passengers.
Adding to the concern, the Albufeira Tourism Agency (APAL) recently voiced its “deep concern” over the lengthy delays, citing potential damage to the region’s tourism image just as the peak travel season approaches.
