British Holidaymakers Face Extended Airport Queues Under New EU Entry Exit System

British holidaymakers departing from European airports should plan to arrive three hours before their flight home due to mounting delays from the Entry Exit System (EES), according to budget airline leadership. The biometric registration scheme, which requires fingerprint and facial data collection from non-EU travellers, has created unpredictable queues across Schengen airports since its rollout began in October.

What is Causing the Delays?

The Entry Exit System requires travellers from outside the European Union to register biometric information upon entering participating countries, with verification checks repeated when departing. Yvonne Moynihan, chief executive of Wizz Air, highlighted that the system's impact varies significantly across Europe. While some airports have managed smooth processing with additional staff and kiosks, others—particularly in Spain, Portugal, and France—have experienced substantial backlogs.

The European Commission has processed nearly 80 million entries and exits since the system's introduction, with approximately 35,000 refusals of entry on record. The scheme was intended for full deployment across all Schengen borders by mid-April. However, Greece has effectively suspended biometric checks for British citizens to prevent disruption during the summer season, demonstrating the uneven application of the rules.

Practical Impact for Travellers

Airlines are adjusting passenger guidance in response to the delays. Standard airport arrival advice of two hours before departure has been increased to three hours for European flights, with passengers advised to bring portable chargers and water while waiting. For connecting flights, travellers should allow several hours between services to accommodate unexpected border queue times.

Border officials have begun proactively suspending EES checks when queues become excessive, though this creates further unpredictability. The situation has already caused some passengers to miss return and connecting flights entirely. One incident at Milan Linate airport resulted in over 100 passengers being left behind due to extended passport control delays.

Looking Ahead

The European Commission maintains that the Entry Exit System is functioning properly at "almost all border crossing points" and notes that queue delays can result from multiple factors beyond the new biometric system. The rollout remains incomplete and inconsistent, leaving travellers facing uncertainty about processing times across different European destinations. An additional EU scheme—the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)—is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026, which will introduce further registration requirements for UK citizens.