Elderly Tourist Attempts to Board Flight with Deceased Spouse at Tenerife Airport

An unusual incident occurred at Tenerife South Airport when an 80-year-old traveler attempted to board a flight with his deceased wife seated in a wheelchair. The event took place during the previous autumn, but details were confirmed by local authorities only recently.

According to official statements, the man and his spouse arrived at the airport with the intention of flying to an undisclosed destination abroad. The woman, who appeared unresponsive, was accompanied by her husband through the airport. Their journey progressed as far as the security checkpoint, where airport staff became suspicious due to the woman's lack of movement and apparent lifelessness.

Staff members noticed that the elderly woman exhibited signs of being unwell, including notably cold hands. Medical personnel were called to the scene, whereupon an emergency doctor determined that the woman had already passed away prior to reaching the airport's security area.

Law enforcement authorities were informed and conducted an investigation at the scene. After a thorough examination, authorities reported that there was no evidence of foul play or criminal intent connected to the incident. Subsequently, the man was not detained or charged in relation to his wife's death.

The identities and nationalities of both individuals have not been disclosed by the authorities. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the husband was aware of his wife's passing before attempting to board the aircraft. Police representatives stated that, based on the available evidence, there was no indication of intentional wrongdoing.

The case has prompted discussions among airport and airline personnel regarding existing protocols for assisting elderly or infirm passengers. There is also increased attention on the importance of regular health checks and monitoring, especially for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions.

While rare, similar incidents have occurred in international travel, highlighting challenges faced by families coping with sudden health emergencies while abroad. Experts note that travelers, especially those of advanced age, are encouraged to seek medical advice before embarking on long journeys and to notify airlines of any health concerns in advance.

This incident at Tenerife South Airport serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing medical emergencies in transit and underscores the need for clear guidelines to support both passengers and airport staff in such situations.