Travelers across Europe are being advised to prepare for extensive airport queues this summer as new border control measures are fully implemented. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has forecast that waiting times could reach up to six hours during peak travel months of July and August.

This summer marks the first season under the comprehensive rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new biometric border control scheme introduced at most European airports. The system is designed to enhance security and streamline passenger processing by electronically recording the arrival and departure of travelers. However, early indications point to significant bottlenecks as airports adjust to the changes.

Recent incidents have highlighted the impact of these delays. Last week, 150 Ryanair passengers missed their flight from Toulouse to the United Kingdom due to long queues at EES kiosks, marking one among several similar disruptions reported in recent weeks. The delays have been particularly severe in popular holiday destinations such as Lisbon in Portugal and Lanzarote, Alicante, and Majorca in Spain.

Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has been vocal about the challenges posed by the new system. He has called for the suspension of EES during the summer peak travel months to prevent further delays and operational disruptions. O’Leary emphasized the cascading effect late departures have on airlines’ schedules, cautioning that delays to one flight can ripple through the day’s subsequent departures.

Airport authorities and border agencies acknowledge the initial difficulties but maintain that the EES is essential for enhancing border security and compliance with EU regulations. They stress the need for travelers to arrive early and allow extra time for processing during this transition period.

As European airports continue adapting to the new system, passengers are urged to prepare for longer wait times and remain informed of potential disruptions when planning their summer travel.