Travelers across Europe are being advised to prepare for lengthy queues at airports this summer as the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to cause significant delays. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), wait times at border controls could reach up to six hours during peak travel periods in July and August.

The introduction of the EES, which is now operational in most European countries, is aimed at enhancing security by electronically tracking the entry and exit of non-European Union visitors. However, the new system has already contributed to congestion at several airports, creating logistical challenges for both passengers and airlines.

Last week, 150 passengers on a Ryanair flight from Toulouse to the United Kingdom missed their departure due to long queues at EES kiosks. This incident is part of a series of similar disruptions that have been reported since the system’s rollout. Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has called for the suspension of the EES during the busy summer period, citing concerns over the impact of delays on subsequent flights. O’Leary emphasized the potential for cascading flight disruptions, warning that late arrivals could delay multiple flights throughout the day.

Border congestion has been particularly severe at popular holiday destinations in southern Europe, with airports in Lisbon, Portugal, and Spain’s Lanzarote, Alicante, and Majorca already experiencing substantial delays. Airport authorities and airlines have been working to manage the flow of travelers, but with millions expected to travel during the summer months, challenges remain significant.

While the EES aims to improve long-term border security and streamline immigration processes, the current strain on airport operations is prompting calls for temporary measures to ease summer travel. Authorities have yet to announce any formal responses to these calls, but the situation highlights the ongoing balance between enhancing security protocols and maintaining efficient passenger processing during peak travel periods.