The busiest European airports are bracing themselves for a summer of chaos as flights operate at half capacity due to passengers missing connections or being stuck in lengthy queues at passport control. Industry insiders warn that the situation will only worsen unless EU border control measures are relaxed, citing the introduction of stricter checks on non-EU citizens – including Britons – as the root cause.
Airlines and airports have reported unprecedented delays, with many flights departing short-staffed due to the increased processing times required for travellers from outside the Schengen Area. The added scrutiny of travel documents and entry conditions has significantly slowed down border control procedures, leaving airport staff struggling to cope during peak travel periods.
A major European airport association highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that queues for non-EU passport holders often stretch for hours, leading to immense frustration for travellers and operational nightmares for airlines. With flights set to fill up rapidly over the summer months, industry leaders are urging governments and the European Commission to consider a temporary easing of border checks to prevent further delays.
British tourists heading to popular destinations like Spain, France, Italy, or Greece should be prepared for potentially lengthy queues at EU passport control. Despite visa-free travel, British citizens now face processing times comparable to those experienced by other third-country nationals, a significant change from pre-Brexit travel.
Industry experts agree that long-term solutions require investment in automated border control systems and increased staffing at immigration desks. However, these upgrades are unlikely to be operational before the peak summer season. To mitigate the effects of potential delays, travellers should arrive early, check their airline's advice, ensure all necessary documents are easily accessible, and consult the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for country-specific entry requirements.