I use Jet2, but most larger airways will probably have what is known as Assisted Travel. Your wife should have no problem in getting involved as doctors notes etc arent called for [at least with J2]. My own condition is very similar.

Details are on their website, being amongst the small print. No cost. I've sorted it out with just a phonecall. 

Wheelchairs are on site, at both ends and the service is very good, from my experience over the last few trips in/out of Faro [to/from Manchester].

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

If you don't mind me asking what is the "Disabled" travel route?  

My wife isn't registered as disabled but has had both of her knees replaced and struggles with stairs. In particular at Faro where there are stairs from the outside area up into the terminal before the lift/escalator back down into the arrivals hall. She also finds it difficult standing for long periods which becomes a problem if there are long queues anywhere. 

I have yet to speak to anybody who has been in the Canaries since October who has  completed the requirement.

I was "registered" at Helsinki Airport in December but so disappointed on leaving since there was no allocated gate for EES holders at the point of exit. Required to go through the familiar Border control as normal. Have now checked and from the 10 April we Brits should have our dedicated gate which may be shared with EU passport holders. I guess up to the 10th April exiting a Schengen Country will remain the way we have been used to.   Will hold my breath about the starting date.

There is always a silver lining. Another requirement that was planned to be brought in on October 2026 was ETIAS but it has been announced it shall be delayed until at least spring of 2027. Being a senior member like me this will be available free of charge. 

Faro Airport was carrying out the registration when I was there in November but the system could not accept my passport. Outcome back to the end of the queue and my cases were the  only cases still on the carousel.

My forecast for the summer period is for long delays at all popular airports since for most passengers this will be their first venture into Europe since the 10th April and will then have to go through the process.

I did not see anything however as I'm a user of the 'Disabled' Travel route. Nothing new that way, just the usual copper perusing my passport.

There are a lot of new machines dotted around the airport but did'nt seem to be in use.

Whatever actually happened, there werent any huge queues in sight.

Additional information :

They have 2 x 11Kg washers and driers, 1 x 19Kg washer and drier. Payment by card or cash. Coins and notes accepted. Open 0830 - 2200 every day.

Next to the parish church. It's called Tapada do Bento. Four washers and two driers. I think all payments are by card, but will check details tomorrow and confirm.

it's in the building featured in the works in the old town item over about the last two years! Picture thanks to Bob D.

Just upthe road from there, in Rua Vale de Santa Maria, this tree is on the verge of falling into the road.

The corner wall of the old Mansão garden, by the St Vincent Statue, pushed over by the weight of the waterlogged soil.

Short video showing the aftermath of the mini-tornado on Monday, down at the Cais Herculano near the pier. Only lasted a few seconds, but enough to rip the tiles off the old fishermen's shelter.

A big tree has been blown down in front of the Albufeira Jardim complex.

This refers to the European Entry System (EES) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) neither of which is currently in operation having been delayed several times. ETIAS is the visa that UK residents will need to be able to go on holiday to Portugal etc.

We visit Albufeira 3 times a year and are visiting again at the end of February.  We are unclear as to the new regulations for the visa that may be required.  We are travelling on UK Passports and have been unable to find any information.  Easyjet have sent us an email advising that a visa may be required.

Many thanks.

Being cut down and replaced by desert plants that don't need watering, set in pebbles. This is up near the Dolphins.