UK holidaymakers heading to EU destinations are facing long queues at major airports due to the introduction of Entry/Exit System (EES) checks. An analysis of traveller experiences highlights 11 airports where EES-related delays have become a persistent issue, including Alicante, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Palma de Mallorca.
These locations, many of which are favourites among UK tourists, have been frequently cited in traveller forums and reports regarding EES delays. Ryanair has also issued warnings about potential delays at several of these airports, as well as others such as Madrid and Milan Malpensa.
The main cause of the lengthy queues is attributed to 'bunching', where multiple UK-bound flights are scheduled to depart in a short timeframe, overwhelming the EES system. While individual checks take only a few minutes, processing hundreds of passengers at once can lead to hours-long queues, particularly at Spanish airports like Alicante and Malaga.
While some periods may see minimal waiting times due to reduced UK flight departures, accurately forecasting when delays will occur remains a challenge. Airports have occasionally suspended EES checks during extreme congestion but this is not a reliable solution given the unpredictability of flights schedules and passenger volumes.
The European Commission and Frontex do not publish data on non-EU national waiting times, leaving travellers reliant on anecdotal evidence from fellow passengers. Proactive preparation for potential delays is advised, especially during peak travel periods like summer.