Tenerife South Airport: How did a man try to board a flight with his deceased wife?

An unsettling event at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) has brought scrutiny to airport security procedures. The incident, which occurred on October 24, 2025, only recently became public knowledge in January 2026. An 80-year-old foreign national attempted to board a flight with his wife. The 75-year-old woman was seated in a wheelchair.

At first glance, the pair appeared to be a normal elderly couple traveling. Concerns were only raised after they had passed through the routine security checkpoint. A security officer noticed the woman was completely unresponsive. Upon closer inspection, the guard realized the woman was cold and not breathing.

Investigation and Security Review

Emergency procedures were immediately activated by airport staff. Officers from the Spanish national police, the Guardia Civil, and forensic teams arrived quickly. The husband was detained for questioning at the scene. He reportedly cooperated with the investigators.

Initial reports state the man claimed his wife had died just hours before. This death allegedly occurred inside the airport terminal. However, authorities are also examining conflicting accounts. Some witnesses claim the man tried to blame the airport facilities for her death. The investigation remains open to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are also looking into potential criminal liability. This includes charges related to transporting a body or failing to report a death.

This unusual Tenerife South Airport incident highlights a rare challenge. It forces a review of airport security protocol for passengers needing assistance. The airport operator, Aena, has confirmed the incident. They emphasized that no similar cases have occurred since.

Broader Aviation Context

This case differs from an in-flight medical emergency. In-flight protocols are guided by organizations like IATA. These procedures cover what to do when a passenger dies mid-flight. They instruct crew to notify the captain and move the body respectfully. However, this incident occurred before boarding was completed. It raises questions about the limits of pre-flight security screening. Standard security checks focus on prohibited items and threats. They are not typically designed to detect the medical status of a passenger. The incident may prompt a review of passenger death procedures and staff training. This is especially true for those handling passengers in wheelchairs. The goal is to ensure the dignity of the deceased. It also protects the integrity of the commercial aviation security environment. Aviation stakeholders rely on robust protocols for every stage of travel. You can find more updates on this and other industry news on aviation news.

Authorities like EASA set standards for European airport operations. This incident underscores the need for clear communication. It is critical between security, medical services, and law enforcement. The outcome of the Guardia Civil investigation will likely inform future procedures.