Ryanair Warns of Major Delays at 15 European Airports Due to New EU Entry System
Sophie Turner
Ryanair has issued a warning to holidaymakers about significant delays at 15 popular European airports this summer. The budget airline attributes the long queues to the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) and is calling for an extension to temporary flexibility measures.
- Ryanair identifies 15 European airports experiencing significant delays due to the EES.
- The EES, fully rolled out in April 2026, requires biometric data from non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area.
- Airports affected include popular UK family destinations such as Lisbon, Tenerife South, Madrid, and Malaga.
- Ryanair urges an extension of temporary EES flexibilities until early 2027 to allow for system improvements.
- Passengers are advised to allocate extra time for their journeys and prepare for extended passport control waits.
Ryanair has warned of significant delays at 15 European airports, citing the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) as the main cause. The budget carrier's Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon, says families are being caught out by hours-long queues rather than enjoying their summer holidays.
The EES, fully implemented in April this year, requires non-EU nationals to submit biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints upon entry into the Schengen free movement area. Since its introduction, numerous border checkpoints have experienced lengthy waits, drawing criticism from across the travel industry. According to Ryanair, 15 airports are particularly affected, including popular tourist hubs like Lisbon, Tenerife South, Madrid, Lanzarote, Alicante, and Malaga.
These airports, which attract large numbers of UK families during peak season, are struggling with slow processing times due to faulty kiosks and inadequate staffing levels. Ryanair is calling on EU authorities to extend the temporary suspension of biometric data collection until early 2027, giving airports time to rectify existing issues and implement a more efficient EES.
The current allowance for border controls to suspend biometric data collection expires in September this year. However, the airline's plea to extend flexibility highlights the challenges of implementing new border control technologies during peak travel periods. With millions of holidaymakers set to navigate post-Brexit travel requirements, careful planning and patience will be essential as they face the added complexity of biometric data collection at Schengen borders.
Why this matters: This directly impacts thousands of British holidaymakers planning trips to popular European destinations, potentially causing significant delays and stress at the start of their holidays. It highlights ongoing challenges with post-Brexit travel and new EU border systems.
What this means for you: What this means for you: If you are a British citizen travelling to any of the 15 identified European airports, or Palma, expect longer queues at passport control. Ryanair advises allowing extra time for your journey. Ensure your travel insurance covers delays, and be aware that the EES requires biometric data submission. There are no new visa requirements for short stays in the Schengen area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for UK passport holders, but the EES is a new procedural step. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises checking their latest travel advice for specific country warnings.