Millions of British holidaymakers are experiencing significant delays at airports and Channel ports due to new European Union border checks implemented as part of the Entry Exit System (EES). The system, which aims to record travelers by scanning passports and fingerprints, has been operational since April but is reportedly not functioning smoothly, leading to concerns among port and airport officials.
Doug Bannister, chief executive of Dover Port, warned that a repeat of a 'critical incident' in May, which caused 8,500 drivers to be held for hours, is possible this weekend. He had previously informed MPs that border controls would likely face 'repeated episodes of severe congestion' if EU regulations were not adjusted. With an estimated 6.3 million drivers planning road trips in the coming week and tens of thousands expected to use the Channel Tunnel, waiting times are already escalating. Ferries at Dover are also experiencing hour-long delays.
Thomas Woldbye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, echoed these concerns, stating that the EES system is not operating as efficiently as it should. He urged the EU to take responsibility and called for flexibility from both the EU and UK governments to ease the queues. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has advised passengers that flights will depart on schedule, regardless of whether travelers are delayed by border queues.
The new checks are contributing to travel chaos not only in the UK but also at airports in popular European destinations, including Tenerife, Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Milan, Krakow, and Paris. Some delays have reportedly lasted up to three hours.
