Ryanair has warned that passengers could face long queues at Palma airport this summer because of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), and has repeated its call for the checks to be postponed until after the holiday peak.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with an electronic register of non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area. On their first visit after the system comes in, travellers must have their passport scanned, give fingerprints and have their photograph taken. British holidaymakers are among those affected.
Why Ryanair is worried
The airline says airports in southern Europe are not prepared for the extra checks at the busiest time of year. It points to shortages of:
- border police officers;
- self-service kiosks;
- staff trained in the new procedures.
With millions of families travelling, Ryanair warns that the gaps could lead to long queues and missed or delayed flights.
The airports at risk
Palma is named alongside Málaga, Alicante, Tenerife South, Milan Bergamo, Kraków and Paris Beauvais as airports likely to suffer the worst bottlenecks once schools across Europe break up.
A call to delay
Ryanair has repeatedly urged EU governments to postpone the full rollout until after the summer, pointing out that member states have some flexibility in how quickly they implement it. The airline says that pressing ahead now would turn passengers into “guinea pigs” for an untested system.
Airports and other airlines have made similar calls, warning of waits of several hours at some border posts.
Advice for travellers
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially for flights to or from non-EU countries.
- Check your airport’s website or app for queue information.
- Have your passport and travel documents ready before you reach border control.
- Children also need to go through the checks, so allow extra time when travelling as a family.
