UK tourists have been warned to expect “chaos” at a popular airport as it’s experiencing what’s been described as the “world’s longest queues”. Travellers have been told to be vigilant

Lots of people are starting to think about jetting off on holiday at the moment, but tourists have been warned about alleged hellish queues at a popular airport. As much as we all want our travel experiences to be as easy and stress-free as possible, sometimes this just isn’t always the case.

For anyone heading to Spain soon, there’s some information you need to know due to alleged queues at a popular airport. Scenes at the venue have been described as “chaotic” with the amount of people waiting in line to be seen leaving people in complete shock and confusion.

Videos have gone viral showing the scenes at Tenerife South Airport in recent weeks, with the experience being deemed chaotic. It comes as it was confirmed a simple passport mistake could lead to you being stuck in lengthy queues too.

A TikTok user, known as Homer, wrote: “Tenerife Airport right now is absolute CHAOS. This might genuinely be the world’s biggest queue, and it just keeps growing.

“Flights looming. Tempers rising. All because of the new security procedures, and no one was ready for it. People have been waiting for HOURS.

“If you’re flying from Tenerife anytime soon, get there EARLY. Like, really early.”

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The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared. Several people were quick to comment too.

One said: “I absolutely love Tenerife, but this is depressing.” Another added: “That would be enough for me. I would never go back, and I’ve been six times.”

A third replied: “It’s absolutely ridiculous.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “That is hell.”

However, some admitted they’ve travelled through the airport without experiencing any issues. It seems people have had mixed experiences.

Another wrote: “Here now, and got through in 10 mins max. No issues.” Someone else replied: “We left yesterday with no problem. Got through in 10 minutes.”

One more also said: “Here now. No queue whatsoever.” It seems not everyone was hit by the lengthy queue times.

It’s reported the queues were linked to new travel rules that have come into place. From October 2025, the EU implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU citizens (including UK citizens) to provide fingerprint scans and facial images upon entering the Schengen Area.

This digital process replaces passport stamping, aiming for full implementation this year. It’s claimed the process could cause initial airport delays, so it’s best to be prepared.

Tenerife Airport was contacted to respond to the size of the queues witnessed by some travellers. It noted the airport has provided the necessary infrastructure, but the authority over the management of the border control depends on the Ministry of the Interior.

Andrew Garnett, who was 52, died in the crash on the A1035 near Tickton on Tuesday.

His family said: “Andrew was the kindest, most gentle and loving son, dad, brother, uncle and fiancé anyone could ever wish for.

“Adored and cherished by everyone who knew him, a huge void has forever been left in our hearts.”

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances around the collision.

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At approximately 6.50am, it was reported that a silver Nissan Micra was travelling westbound along the A1035 when it is believed to have been involved in a collision with a blue DAF heavy goods vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The HGV is then believed to have collided with a grey BMW 330e and a grey Volkswagen Polo.

Emergency services attended, and the driver of the BMW, a 52-year-old man, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The drivers of the Nissan, the DAF HGV, and the Volkswagen Polo were taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. 

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, including dashcam footage, to please contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting log 58 of 24 March.

The DWP has confirmed early payment dates for benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend in April 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the early date when certain claimants will receive payments ahead of the four-day Easter bank holiday weekend. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5 this year, any payments due on Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 will instead be brought forward to Thursday, April 2.

The DWP has additionally confirmed Jobcentre Plus offices and telephone services will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday,April 7. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed the same with payments scheduled for Good Friday or Easter Monday being issued on the Thursday.

It’s important to remember that if your next payment isn’t due on either of the Easter bank holiday dates, it will be paid as normal.

Below is a full list of all DWP and HMRC payments that could be affected by the Easter bank holiday weekend. If your benefit or payment doesn’t appear on the list, it won’t be impacted by the Easter bank holiday weekend, reports MyLondon.

DWP payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will all be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension
• Universal Credit

HMRC payment date changes over Easter bank holiday

Payments scheduled for Good Friday, April 3 or Easter Monday, April 6 for the benefits listed below will also be made early on Thursday, April 2.

Payments brought forward:

• Child Benefit
• Guardian’s Allowance

The footballer has been convicted of speeding after a camera caught him in an Audi RS3

Former Manchester United footballer Alejandro Garnacho was caught speeding away from the training ground just days before he left the club.

The 21-year-old winger, who moved to Chelsea for £40 million, was caught driving an Audi RS3 at 50mph in a 40mph zone as he left United’s training ground in Carrington. A speed camera was triggered amid the incident on August 26, just four days before he left the club.

Garnacho has since admitted, through his lawyers, to speeding. At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court he issued an apology and confessed he was ’embarrassed’ by it, the Mirror reports.

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He was handed a £660 fine, with an order to pay £120 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge. Magistrate Jane Haynes also handed down three points on his licence.

His lawyers at JMW Solicitors said: “Mr Garnacho accepts that he committed the offence of exceeding the speed limit and has pleaded guilty to the offence. Mr Garnacho explains this was an oversight on his part and apologises for the offence.

“Our client is embarrassed that he is currently in this position and apologises to the Court for the excess speed offence.”

Garnacho was also charged with failing to respond to a Greater Manchester Police letter about the offence when he was asked to identify the driver of his car in October last year, but that was withdrawn after his guilty plea. The Chelsea star was convicted and sentenced in a hearing conducted last week behind closed doors under the Single Justice Procedure.

The date of the speeding offence came four days before he quit United. His exit had been expected after he fell out of favour with then head coach Ruben Amorim.

Since moving to Chelsea the Argentine has made 36 appearances scoring seven goals. 21 of his appearances have come as a starter with the rest off the bench.

HBO’s new Harry Potter series has been given a release window with a first trailer revealing the star-studded cast

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HBO’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has finally been given a new trailer leaving countless fans excited to see the fresh interpretation of JK Rowling’s bestselling books.

Starring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, the series portrays the Boy Who Lived’s thrilling first year at Hogwarts.

The new trailer has also offered fans their initial glimpses at the star-studded supporting cast, including Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid and John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore.

It dropped yesterday (Wednesday, 25th March) in time to coincide with the exciting launch of HBO Max in the UK, where fans can stream some of the most critically acclaimed US dramas. But when will the first season of Harry Potter be added to the platform? Let’s examine what we know, reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: Harry Potter told he’s ‘nothing special’ in huge trailer for new TV series amid earlier release dateREAD MORE: New villain Mr Charles in Daredevil and link to past films explained

When will the Harry Potter series be released?

A specific premiere date is not currently known but the trailer confirms a release window of Christmas 2026. This could suggest a premiere for the first episode on Christmas Day, though it also means the series could arrive any time in mid-to-late December.

The first season of Harry Potter, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will consist of eight episodes.

Earlier reports seemed to suggest a 2027 release date for the first series, so fans were delighted to discover the highly anticipated fantasy series will be arriving sooner than expected. A logline for the programme reads: “There is nothing special about Harry Potter – at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says.

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“On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.”

Alongside the trailer, HBO has also unveiled some enchanting new stills of the cast, which also features Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres Christmas 2026 on HBO Max.

Maura Higgins has reportedly had her say on ex Pete Wick kissing his pal Olivia Attwood and the Irish star had a brutal response

Maura Higgins has been catching up with the news her ex Pete Wicks has shared a kiss with her ‘nemesis’ Olivia Attwood. A romance between Love Islander Maura, 35, and TOWIE’s Pete, 37, come to an end last year after a series of stormy rows, before they ever went public.

And now, sources close to the Irish beauty have said her ex growing closer to his pal is no surprise to her. Insiders says she had her suspicions during their time together and that Pete’s actions are “vindication” that her gut was right about him at the time.

But in a brutal response, she is said to have said Olivia can “have my sloppy seconds”. The insider added: “Maura is living her best life right now – she’s cracked America, Pete Wicks is the last thing on her mind.

READ MORE: Bodyguard breaks silence after making Jude Law’s daughter cry as Chappell Roan hit with massive scrutinyREAD MORE: Romeo Beckham breaks down in tears as Cruz sings emotional track about Brooklyn

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Speaking to The Sun, the source went on: “But she couldn’t resist a dig about how he took Olivia to the same place he took her. In her words, ‘That says it all’.”

Maura publicly called time on her spell with Pete as she left a Valentine’s dinner with friends at London’s Sheesh restaurant last year. When she was asked where Pete was, she bluntly replied: “Dunno. Probably out cheating.”

While Maura and Olivia are said to have bad blood in the past, with Olivia’s camp accusing Maura of trying to ‘copy’ her career. Both ladies have been trying to make waves in America after signing with the same agency Align PR.

Now it seems Olivia is going after Maura’s ex after her split from footballer Bradley Dack following less than three years of marriage. The sports star’s apparent actions are said to have led to the pair’s demise.

The footballer has been called out by her friends, who said his alleged cheating sparked the toxic split that is playing out in public.

And on Tuesday, amid her love life drama, Olivia, 34, posted a defiant selfie to Instagram and wrote: “And reading ‘hey girly’ texts on my break, gals come to the front today please and then I’m moving on with my life ty x.”

According to Urban Dictionary, if a text reads “hey girly” it is a “text you receive or send about a man cheating”.

It comes as pals told The Sun: “She [Olivia] was trying to respect their ten-year relationship by staying quiet, but her friends are bemused as to how Bradley is the one who caused all this, and Liv was still trying to protect him.”

But following images of Olivia and Pete’s kiss, sources close to Bradley say he is “livid”. Speaking to The Sun, a source claimed the footballer is “embarrassed” but “not surprised”.

“Bradley is livid, he’s not surprised at all but is completely embarrassed and upset,” they said. “He can’t believe Olivia has moved on so publicly and they’ve not even signed the divorce papers.

“Bradley was hopeful for a reunion with Olivia but after this, he’s just livid and will take her to the cleaners. She has been in the depths of a really horrible break-up and Pete has helped her through it. He’s suspected things for the past year but she’s always denied it.”

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This comes with a trial scheme running nine self-contained pods for some of the borough’s most vulnerable homeless people to sleep in ending.

The trial period ran between November last year to March 31 with Bolton Council saying that they managed to achieve their main objective in keeping rough sleepers safe over the winter.

Council cabinet member for adults and community housing Cllr Sean Fielding said: “I’m delighted that the Sleeper Pods have proved a safe haven for some of our most vulnerable people this winter, giving them renewed hope and a ‘stepping stone’ to rebuild their lives.

“There are far too many people that are homeless, and it can affect people from all backgrounds, especially those at risk of a sudden loss of income, rising inflation, relationship breakdowns, and domestic abuse.

The pods include self contained living spaces (Image: Billa Ahmed)

“However, Bolton is always on hand to provide targeted help in accessing shelter and accommodation when needed, helping people get back on track as quickly as possible.

“We are also working with landlords and owners of empty properties to offer them practical support, security and reassurance to provide more affordable housing for Bolton people in need.”

The nine self-contained sleeper pods were installed on a former car park at Higher Bridge Street and Topp Way, with 24-hour security and wraparound support in the site.

The scheme supported the council’s statutory obligation under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to protect vulnerable people during the coldest months.

The pods were designed as safe alternatives to rough sleeping, and to show that living independently in a secure, private, self-contained place is a real goal.

The council says that people staying in the pods have given testimonies saying: “It’s the first time I’ve been properly warm in years”.

Others have described them as “luxury in a box”, “a Godsend”, “life-changing”.

The council says it will be carrying out a final assessment of the scheme this summer and that this will inform its plans and decisions in the future.

They say that they are working to make sure that no one returns to living on the streets.

The council says people who have stayed in the pods have either moved into more permanent accommodation or are in the process of transferring to more specialist settings.

To do this the council has linked up with other specialist support organisations including the homeless nursing team, social workers, mental health, substance use and other agencies.

Together they say they have been continuing to provide support to the residents with the help they need after leaving the pods. 

The council says any decision on whether to reintroduce a Sleeper Pod scheme next Winter will be made after full review and discussions with these partners.

The council says Bolton’s ultimate aim is to tackle the causes of homelessness and stop it arising in the first place, and the pods are one of several initiatives in place to support this.

Nicole Carroll and Fiona Harris, from Hays Travel in Motherwell, abseiled off it earlier this month to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. They were joined by Nicole’s friend, Jennifer Wilson, and Fiona’s partner, Jim Woods.

A pair of Motherwell travel agents have raised £1,590 for a Spina Bifida charity after abseiling off the Falkirk Wheel.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Nicole Carroll and Fiona Harris, from Hays Travel in Motherwell, abseiled off it earlier this month to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

They were joined by Nicole’s friend, Jennifer Wilson, and Fiona’s partner, Jim Woods.

This is the second year that Hays Travel Motherwell have supported the charity, last year organising a fundraising ladies afternoon tea and raising £1,800. This year, they got a bit more adventurous with an abseil!

Motherwell Hays Travel assistant manager, Nicole Carroll, said: “We chose this charity as it’s very close to our family. My husband has Spina Bifida, and his mum has been actively involved with the charity for over 30 years.

“It was important to us to support an organisation that does so much for families and creates a real sense of community and support.”

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland offer information, one-to-one support and groups for children and adults with Spina Bifida.

Andrew Flynn, of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, said: “The biggest thank you to our amazing abseilers who raised vital funds for SBH Scotland – you were all brilliant – together we really are unstoppable!

READ MORE: New report highlights progress that North Lanarkshire Council is improving across range of key areas

“If you want to take part in 2027, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk.”

Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent, with branches across the UK – all committed to supporting their customers and the local communities they serve.

Each Hays Travel branch is provided with a £500 budget to use for fundraising and charity work in their local area; £200 of this is to be used to fundraise for charities which support young people’s mental health, and the other £300 can be used for charities chosen by the branch.

In the last year, Hays Travel’s Local Community Partnership initiative across its retail network has donated almost £170,000 to local charities.

READ MORE: Steel strategy a boost for Motherwell’s Dalzell Steelworks

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The Iran war has deflected global attention from Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbor Ukraine as Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II enters its fifth year and an emboldened Kremlin undertakes a spring offensive.

The past week showed that neither side is easing up. Russia on Tuesday fired almost 1,000 drones and 34 missiles at Ukraine in one of the war’s biggest bombardments. The following day Ukraine launched almost 400 drones in the largest reported overnight attack on Russian regions and Crimea.

Ukraine’s fate is still Europe’s top foreign policy issue, fueled by fears that Moscow has wider ambitions. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has wound down talks with Russian and Ukrainian delegations as the Iran war grips its attention. The administration has warned it could turn its back on the conflict if peace efforts come to nothing.

Russian takes in billions after US eases oil sanctions

Only weeks ago, the Russian economy was starting to feel the pinch of sanctions. But Russia is now raking in billions of dollars from a temporary U.S. waiver on oil sanctions against Moscow. The measure taken earlier this month aims to free up Russian oil cargo stranded at sea and ease supply shortages caused by the Middle East conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the U.S. move was “ not the right decision ” because it will further enable Russia’s military campaign.

American Patriot air-defense missiles have been moved from Europe toward the Middle East as Washington redirects resources to its war on Iran. Zelenskyy warned that Kyiv will “definitely” face shortages of Patriot systems because of the war against Iran.

The U.S. produces 60 to 65 missiles per month, or about 700 to 800 missiles per year, Zelenskyy said. “And on the first day in the Middle East war, 803 missiles were used,” he said.

Aiming to secure some geopolitical leverage, Ukraine offered its battle-tested technology to help Gulf states fend off Iranian drones. In return, Ukraine wants more of the high-end air-defense missiles that Gulf countries possess and which Kyiv needs to stop Russia’s missiles. Zelenskyy also made Ukrainian drone interceptors available to the U.S.

Ukraine desperately needs money, too. A promised 90-billion-euro ($104-billion) loan from the European Union to fund Ukraine’s armed forces and its war-shattered economy for the next two years is being held up by Hungary.

Fighting on the front line escalates as weather improves

After a winter of relative calm on the front line, Russia is gearing up for the summer fighting season as fields dry out.

Russian forces are in an early phase of a spring offensive, assaulting Ukraine’s eastern so-called Fortress Belt of cities, said Elina Beketova of the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank.

“Over the past weeks, the Russians have intensified pressure on the battlefield and in the air,” she told The Associated Press. In Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, Ukraine’s industrial heartland long coveted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the situation is “critical,” she said, though Ukrainian troops say they are holding firm.

“Russia is trying, on the tactical level, some new approaches” with mechanized infantry and armor in its offensive, according to Robert Murrett, a retired vice admiral in the U.S. Navy who is deputy director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law.

Fierce fighting is taking place along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said this week.

Moscow’s forces have made only incremental gains across rural areas. Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine. That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.

Russian war bloggers expect a new Moscow effort to create more footholds in the southern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. That would pave the way for a possible push toward those regions’ capital cities, which are key industrial hubs.

The Russian tactic is to surround and then choke cities while bombing them to rubble.

Russia bombards civilian areas, Ukraine targets Moscow’s war machine

After crushing Ukraine’s power grid during one of the worst winters in recent memory, Russian drone and missile barrages of civilian areas have continued unabated.

More than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the war, according to the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

For its part, Ukraine has developed long-range drones and missiles to hit targets in rear areas that keep Moscow’s war machine going. The targets have included oil refineries, chemical plants, ammunition depots and military logistics hubs up to 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) from Ukraine.

US-led talks are on ice and making little progress

Washington’s peace efforts are largely on hold while the White House is “totally distracted by Iran,” Murrett said.

Months of U.S.-mediated talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv have produced no breakthrough on the knottiest problems, such as who keeps Ukrainian territory and how to prevent future Russian invasions.

Russia has rejected Ukraine’s offer of a ceasefire. European leaders have accused Putin of stalling in peace efforts while his army tries to capture more Ukrainian land.

The Kremlin has “never come off (its) maximalist demands” for a settlement, and it would take “overwhelming” Western military and financial support for Ukraine for Putin to back down, Murrett said.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

St Mary’s Cockerton CE Primary School, on Newton Lane in Cockerton, has been shut to pupils today (Thursday, March 26) following the incident overnight.

The burst pipe has caused a “significant flood” in the school, with the site saying it has had to turn off the water until the issue is resolved.

Darlington Borough Council confirmed the early closure in an email.

It is not yet known when the school will reopen, with parents told to expect updates soon.

It comes just three months after the school was forced to close due to a major plumbing issue that left the site without working toilets.

The school said: “Following a significant flood due to a burst pipe in school overnight, school will not be open today as we have had to turn the water off until we can resolve the issue.

“We will provide updates as soon as we can. Please pass this message on.

“Apologies for the inconvenience this will cause.”