Ryanair Alerts UK Holidaymakers About Travel Disruptions at 15 EU Airports This Summer

Ryanair has issued a new warning to millions of British families planning to travel to 15 European airports this summer. The budget airline cautioned that passengers can expect significant delays at passport control and various disruptions at airports due to the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been labelled as ineffective just months after its implementation.

Understanding the Entry/Exit System

The EES is an automated digital border management system used by EU and Schengen Area countries. It replaces the traditional method of stamping passports by digitally recording the arrival and departure dates of non-EU visitors, along with collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. Ryanair has identified several airports that are particularly affected by slow processing times and long queues at passport control for both arrivals and departures.

The airports that have been highlighted as facing the most significant challenges include Lisbon, Tenerife South, Madrid, Lanzarote, Alicante, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Milan Malpensa, Verona, Paris Beauvais, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt Hahn, Krakow, and Budapest. With these issues in mind, Ryanair has urged passengers to allow for extra time when travelling to and from non-Schengen destinations or when connecting through the impacted airports.

Preparing for Travel Disruptions

The airline has advised that travellers should brace themselves for long queues at passport control, as the EES procedures may involve the scanning of passports, collection of fingerprints, and verification of facial images. Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, expressed his concerns, stating, “Families heading away for a well-earned summer holiday should be thinking about suitcases, suncream and sangria, not standing in passport queues for hours. The reality is that the EES system isn’t working properly, and families are paying the price for a system that does not work months after launch.”

McMahon further emphasised the need for immediate action, remarking, “Passengers should not be the testing ground for unfinished border infrastructure. We support calls from EU Member States to urgently extend the EES flexibilities. This will provide airports and border authorities with the necessary time to enhance their infrastructure, repair malfunctioning devices, and employ additional staff, enabling families to travel through Europe with minimal disruption.”

Staying Informed for a Smooth Journey

As the summer travel season approaches, it is essential for passengers to remain informed about potential delays and to plan accordingly. Ryanair’s call for improvements to the EES highlights the ongoing challenges faced by travellers in navigating the complexities of international travel. Families are encouraged to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and to factor in extra time for their journeys to ensure a smoother experience.