Reports claim creepy crawlies shut down check-in desks — yet no official word from airport bosses.Stock image of a sample of head lice when viewed under a microscope.Credit: Evatrii, Shutterstock
Barajas Airport has become the centre of a suspected pest panic — but so far, there’s no official confirmation of any outbreak.
According to reports in some Spanish outlets, several check-in desks at Terminal 4 were shut down days ago after claims of a ‘plague of lice, bedbugs, and possibly even ticks.‘ Pest control was reportedly called in, and some sources say the problem may still be ongoing — but authorities have yet to publicly acknowledge the situation.
It’s alleged that staff from South Europe Ground Services walked off the job after suffering bites, prompting a temporary withdrawal of some workers from the area ‘until conditions are safe.’
These claims, however, have not been verified by Aena, the state-owned company that runs Madrid’s main airport — and there’s been no official statement confirming the presence of any infestation yet.
The story appears to have originated from ASAE, a trade union reportedly warning of dire hygiene conditions — but even that union statement has not been publicly released, raising questions over the reliability of the reports.
One thing that has been confirmed is a much bigger issue: Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE recently reported that around 500 homeless people are now living inside Barajas, many sheltering in check-in and baggage areas.
Some media outlets also cite unnamed union sources linking the hygiene scare to the growing presence of rough sleepers and even the alleged activity of ‘mafias operating inside the airport.‘ Again, none of these claims have been independently verified as of the time of writing.
The supposed outbreak and security concerns were reportedly raised in a meeting with government subdelegate Pilar Trinidad Núñez — but even that remains unclear.
So far, Aena has refused to comment on the swirling rumours.
With speculation rife and silence from airport bosses, passengers are left wondering: is Barajas crawling with bugs — or is this a case of mass hysteria biting before the facts?
Stay tuned for more Spanish news in English.
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