British travellers are being advised to arrive at European airports three hours before their flights this summer due to extended delays caused by new post-Brexit border controls. Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of budget airline Wizz Air UK, warned that passengers have already missed return and connecting flights as a result of long queues at passport control under the European Union’s Entry Exit System (EES).

The EES, which began rolling out in October and fully came into effect in April, requires travellers from outside the EU, including UK citizens, to register their biometric data—such as fingerprints and photographs—each time they enter or exit the Schengen Area. This zone includes 25 EU countries along with Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Since its implementation, nearly 80 million entries and exits have been logged, with tens of thousands of refusals of entry, some on security grounds.

Airports across Europe have reported worsening queues attributed to the biometric checks and a shortage of staff to manage the system. Passengers have faced waits of several hours at key entry points, particularly during peak travel times. Moynihan described the impact as “fragmented,” with long delays concentrated in traditional holiday hotspots like Spain, Portugal, and France. She cautioned travellers to bring essentials such as water and portable phone chargers to cope with possible prolonged waits.

The Association of British Travel Agents has recommended that travellers pre-register their biometric data through the EES app to expedite processing. Meanwhile, Airports Council International Europe, representing 45 airports, warned that passenger queues could become “unmanageable” as volumes rise during the summer. It emphasized that holidaymakers should adhere to airline-specified arrival times but acknowledged that under current conditions, arriving three hours early may be necessary.

Some countries have taken measures to limit disruption. Greece, for example, has suspended biometric checks for British nationals until September, a move that reportedly increased bookings to the country in the weeks following the decision. In contrast, travel data indicate that some UK holidaymakers are altering their plans to avoid countries enforcing the new system. A survey by travel services company Holiday Extras found that around 3.3 percent of British tourists had switched to destinations outside the EES zone, with nearly 18 percent considering changes. Countries such as Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, which are outside the EU's biometric requirements, have seen increased demand.

Industry experts warn that ongoing delays could significantly impact the EU’s tourism sector, with potential losses estimated to reach up to £3.7 billion if issues persist. The European Commission has defended the EES, stating it functions effectively at most border points, although passenger experiences suggest that operational challenges remain.

Additional travel disruptions were reported at Heathrow Airport, where flooding caused by a burst water main temporarily suspended train services, further complicating journeys for some passengers. Officials advised allowing extra travel time and seeking alternative transportation where possible.

As the summer travel period advances, British travellers are encouraged to prepare for possible delays and to allow extra time for airport procedures when flying to and from European destinations under the new border control regime.