Ryanair has issued a stark warning over the prospect of summer travel chaos due to the European Union's new biometric border control system. The budget airline claims that significant delays are likely at major EU airports unless the Entry/Exit System (EES) is postponed until after the peak holiday period.
The EES, which requires travellers from outside the EU to register biometric information upon arrival in most European countries, has been deemed "unprepared for peak summer volumes" by Ryanair's Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon. He voiced concerns that passengers will be used as "guinea pigs" for an unrefined system, with popular destinations such as Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Milan, Krakow, and Tenerife South expected to bear the brunt of the disruptions.
McMahon urged European governments to prioritise passenger experience, especially families travelling during school holidays, by delaying implementation. This would help prevent "needless passport control chaos" and protect airport operations, he argued. The warning comes as prominent aviation industry groups also voice concerns over the EES's impact on passenger journeys.
A collective of organisations, including ACI Europe, Airlines 4 Europe, and IATA, have written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighting the "severe operational consequences" caused by the EES. They warned that this issue is not limited to major hubs but will also affect smaller airports serving key tourist destinations.
For UK travellers planning a European holiday, the EES introduces new requirements for entering the Schengen Area. While the system aims to streamline processing in the long term, initial implementation may lead to longer queues as travellers complete biometric registration. The FCDO advises UK citizens to check entry requirements ahead of their trip and consider travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
Practical advice for UK travellers includes arriving at airports earlier than usual, considering alternative routes or modes of transport, and keeping an eye on airport updates for the latest information on EES implementation.
The introduction of the EES marks a significant shift in EU border control procedures. With many UK citizens set to travel through European airports this summer, it is essential that they understand the changes and plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary disruption.