The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), implemented across 29 countries since April, is causing significant travel disruptions and lengthy queues at major European airports this summer. The automated digital border system requires non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to register biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs upon entry into the Schengen Area.
Airports Grapple with EES Delays
Several key European travel hubs are experiencing substantial delays due to the new system. Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy has been cited as particularly problematic, with one travel expert reporting an hour-long process for biometric registration followed by a further 45 minutes for passport control, despite being among the first passengers off a flight. Other Italian airports, such as Milan Linate, have seen passengers endure queues of up to three hours, leading to instances of missed flights and even passengers becoming unwell while waiting. Budget airline Ryanair has formally urged European countries to temporarily suspend the EES, citing its disruptive impact.
Lisbon Airport in Portugal has also been heavily affected. Reports describe chaotic scenes with hours-long queues that have caused many travelers to miss their flights, even those arriving well in advance. The Portuguese Prime Minister has even suggested suspending the system, a sentiment echoed by the Mayor of Lisbon.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France and Frankfurt Airport in Germany, both major transit hubs, are also experiencing significant EES-related delays. These delays are particularly impactful for travelers connecting to other European destinations from regional UK airports.
Copenhagen Airport has also drawn attention, with the UK Foreign Office issuing updated travel advice urging travelers to allow extra time due to potential passport control delays. The guidance also advises passengers with short connections or specific needs to consult with airport staff.
In Spain, airports like Alicante and Málaga are reportedly struggling. Police unions have stated Alicante is at its "breaking point" due to the EES and staff shortages. One British traveler and her daughter missed their flight from Málaga and incurred additional costs of approximately £1,000 due to the delays. Ryanair estimates waiting times of one to two hours at numerous Spanish airports, including Lanzarote, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Reus, and Fuerteventura.
In response to the chaos, Spanish airports are implementing measures to help vulnerable passengers and families with young children bypass queues.
Destinations Avoiding EES Chaos
Some popular holiday destinations are unaffected by the EES. Turkey, Cyprus, and Morocco are outside the EU or Schengen zone, making them exempt from the new system. Demand for travel to Turkey has reportedly increased significantly, with Morocco, particularly Agadir, being identified as an affordable summer getaway option.