European airports in Schengen-area countries are facing pressure from the implementation of a new passenger control system, as British travellers planning holidays in Europe have been warned to be prepared for delays, with waiting times in some cases potentially reaching up to six hours.
Experts note that the delays are mainly linked to the rollout of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU travellers to register biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.
The new system has increased processing times at passport control, creating bottlenecks at airports with high passenger traffic, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
According to industry sources, the situation is not uniform, as some airports have better infrastructure and sufficient staffing, while others are struggling to cope with increased passenger volumes and the new procedures. In some cases, significant delays and missed flights have been recorded, with authorities periodically making adjustments to ease congestion at checkpoints. High travel demand from the United Kingdom to Europe further strains airport operations, especially during peak periods.
Airlines and industry bodies recommend that passengers arrive earlier at airports to avoid delays at security and passport checks. Despite the challenges during the adjustment phase, the new system is part of a broader effort to digitalise border procedures across Europe.
