British holidaymakers faced four-hour queues at Faro Airport in Portugal on Friday after sudden unscheduled strike action by passport workers. Travellers became trapped in hot and stuffy conditions, with some collapsing and fears of a riot emerging.
Witness Sam Jones said paramedics were called after a youngster fainted. Rachael O'Shea described the situation as 'insanity' on Twitter, adding: 'People collapsing, children and those with disabilities not being given any assistance. It's getting extremely dangerous.'
Passengers lined up along suspended escalators and stairways after landing at 10.55am. Portugal Resident reported that many travellers missed their flights as the chaos escalated. Only two border control officers were left to deal with arrivals.
The incident comes as British Passport Office workers announced a five-week strike from April 3 to May 5, involving over 1,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services union in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions. Additionally, more than 1,400 Unite members at Heathrow Airport will strike for 10 days from March 31.
