A Ryanair flight from Athens International Airport left without around 20-50 British-bound passengers on Sunday, leaving them stranded due to a massive queue at both security and passport control. The incident sparked frustration among affected travellers, prompting intervention from airport authorities.
The delays are linked to the EU's Entry-Exit System (EES), a new digital border control system being implemented across the Schengen area. While neither Ryanair nor Athens Airport directly attributed the specific delays to EES, the airline stated that 'delays caused by border control at Athens airport' prevented passengers from boarding on time.
Passengers described a chaotic scene, with hundreds queuing in sweltering temperatures. One traveller recounted making it through passport control just ten minutes before the gate closed, while observing dozens of others arriving too late. He witnessed passengers pleading with Ryanair staff as some became visibly upset and agitated as the flight prepared to leave.
The delayed flight took off around an hour behind schedule after luggage belonging to stranded passengers had to be unloaded. This added delay suggests further operational challenges exacerbated by initial passport control issues. The incident highlights the potential impact of new border control measures on travel schedules, particularly at busy European hubs.
Similar delays have been reported by other travellers at Athens Airport, with one individual from California describing a 60-minute wait at passport control on Monday. These accounts suggest that Sunday's issues may not be isolated, pointing to broader challenges in managing passenger flows under the new processing requirements.
Advice for UK Travellers
British travellers heading to or from Schengen area countries should be aware of potential delays at border control, particularly during peak travel periods. The implementation of EES may lead to increased processing times for non-EU citizens. It is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure, allowing time for any unforeseen delays.