Reader’s Letters – March 2026

Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the March edition.

Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.

AIRPORT CARNAGE

Dear Gazette,

I fully agree that something needs to be done at the airport. We had the same silly nonsense with the EES entry although we got through quickly, not expecting to then have to scan the passport again and still queue to get the passport stamped.

Returning to the airport on departure day was carnage. I need assistance for mobility reasons- I can walk a little but cannot bear to stand for long periods. We headed into departures looking for help, but there were ZERO helpers or wheelchairs. We approached the Easy Jet bag drop area that was chaos with an enormous queue stretching the length of departures even before entering the obligatory zig zag zone. I found that there was an assistance desk and queue so joined that only to be left to stand for over an hour as a constant stream of wheelchairs (mainly private) bypassed us to the desk.

I repeatedly pointed out that I needed assistance and could no longer stand, only to be ignored. In the end I just had to push in front of a wheelchair and insist we were checked in. Once at our gate I spoke to a handler and again told them I was registered for assistance (still no helpers or wheelchairs that we could find) We were taken aside to a separate queue, for which we were grateful, only to be once again be passed by those lucky enough to have a wheelchair.

Once again we insisted that we were let through, only for the border guard to refuse to process our passport because I wasn’t in a wheelchair!!! He did relent when I got angry and he could see I was on the point of keeling over.

We have been travelling to Lanzarote for 35 years but now we’re considering whether or not to continue. The service at the airport has always been indifferent, bordering on slapdash, but this was our worst ever experience compounded now by my need for help.

Sorry about the ramble, but you are so right when you say things need to improve.

Kindest Regards, Steve Denyer

COSTA TEGUISE TOILET WOES

We have been coming to the Island for a number of years, now we are both in our 70s but very fit and enjoy walking along the coastal paths.

Yesterday, whilst walking in Costa Teguise again, my husband went to the public loos and had to help a lady with her disabled husband navigate the men’s loo, having found the disabled loo in the ladies closed – guess what, the men’s disabled loo was the same.

Later, I also went into the ladies to find someone of my own age waiting as there was a broken lock on the only available toilet. I watched out for her, and she watched out for me!!!

I also have popped into a bar, only to be told quite aggressively that the toilets are only for customers, I am a customer to this island, and I do not understand the very unfriendly, discompassionate response.

Maybe you think that weeing and pooing in the sea is the answer, I am sure many visitors do, through necessity! Get a grip, we are all human and the majority of people are very nice, you might even get a friend coming to your bar or restaurant.

Granny Sue

Ed: We’ve been assured that work on the public toilets in Costa Teguise is imminent, Sue, but it’s upsetting to hear that you were so rudely turned away by a bar. In our experience, most establishments are fairly understanding in this regard. By the way, weeing in the sea is illegal in Teguise, but getting caught depends on whether you do it while bathing or off the end of the pier!

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

I have nothing but praise for the treatment I received from everyone, beginning with Urgencias in Tías, the ambulance drivers and paramedics, and Urgencias in Arrecife’s hospital. And the way I was cared for in the Hospital Insular (geriatric) ward.

Thank you so much all of you. You will be remembered with gratitude.

Mrs. Joan Carthy

CUCHARAS CYCLE PATHS?

I enjoy cycling in Las Cucharas except for the pedestrians, mobility scooters and four wheeled cycles. Why can’t the bicycle track be marked somehow to let people know it’s for bicycles?

Tony Clinning

Ed: Cycling is permitted on the promenade at Las Cucharas, Tony, but it’s pretty narrow and often fairly busy. Wider stretches in the resort have red cycle paths marked, but we assume that hasn’t happened at Las Cucharas because there’s no room for a priority lane for cyclists. Which means you don’t have priority.