British vacationers are being advised to brace themselves for potential delays at European airports due to new border checks. Travelers are urged to arrive at least three hours before their flight departure times to account for extended queues at passport control.
Yvonne Moynihan, the UK head of the low-cost carrier Wizz Air, highlighted that some passengers have faced significant delays passing through passport control in certain European airports, resulting in missed flights. Airports have reported worsening queues under the Entry Exit System (EES), which mandates travelers to register fingerprints upon entry and exit.
Despite concerns, a European Commission spokesperson noted that the EES has been functioning effectively at a majority of border crossing points. ACI Europe, a group representing airports, recommended that passengers adhere to their airlines’ specified arrival times.
The EES requires non-EU travelers to register biometric data when entering several European nations, with full implementation scheduled for the Schengen free movement zone borders from April 10. Notably, Greece has temporarily suspended biometric checks for British citizens to prevent travel disruptions during the summer season.
Moynihan acknowledged that the impact of the new checks varied across Europe, with some regions experiencing seamless travel while others, such as Spain, Portugal, and France, encountered long queues. She advised travelers to be prepared for potential delays, suggesting carrying essentials like a portable charger and water.
Given the verification process required by the EES upon departure, Moynihan cautioned about the possibility of queues before flights back to the UK. She recommended allowing extra time, emphasizing arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure and ensuring adequate layover periods for connecting flights.
The European Commission emphasized that delays could be caused by various factors beyond the EES and that the registration process usually takes around a minute. However, recent surveys by ACI Europe indicated queues of up to three and a half hours at some airports, despite partial suspensions of the EES.
Anticipating a further deterioration in the situation as summer passenger volumes rise, the Commission urged member states to ensure proper EES implementation and adequate staffing. Portugal, which has reported lengthy waits, announced the allocation of additional border officers for airports in July.
While improvements have been made to address initial challenges, Moynihan expressed concerns about the system’s capacity during the anticipated surge in summer travel. She called for more countries to consider suspending checks during peak periods to mitigate passenger disruptions.
As the summer holidays draw near, concerns have been raised about potential disruptions in the Middle East impacting jet fuel supplies and flight cancellations. Despite a trend of late bookings and competitive pricing to boost demand, airlines like Wizz Air remain optimistic about travel prospects, reassuring passengers about supply chain stability and schedule continuity.
Although future fare increases may be possible due to high oil prices, short-term cost-saving measures could offset these impacts. Passengers are advised to stay informed about potential travel disruptions and consider alternative means of transportation if necessary.