Ryanair has issued a stark warning that summer queues at European Union airports could spiral into hours-long delays due to the introduction of mandatory fingerprint checks under the bloc's new Entry/Exit System (EES). The airline is urging passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure to avoid missing their flights.
New Biometric Checks to Blame
The EES, which is set to be rolled out across the EU later this year, will require non-EU travellers to register their fingerprints and facial biometrics upon entry and exit. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary described the system as a potential 'disaster' for summer travel, predicting 'chaos' at major hubs such as Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam. 'We are looking at queues of two to three hours at passport control,' O'Leary said. 'Passengers need to plan accordingly.'
Airline's Recommendations
Ryanair has advised all passengers travelling to or from the EU to add extra time to their journey. The airline recommends arriving at the airport three hours before departure, even for short-haul flights, and checking in online to minimise time at the airport. 'We are doing everything we can to prepare, but the infrastructure at many airports simply isn't ready for this,' O'Leary added.
Impact on Summer Travel
The warning comes as the EU prepares to implement the EES, designed to enhance border security and track overstays. However, airlines and airports have raised concerns about the lack of testing and staff training. Ryanair's warning is expected to affect millions of passengers, with the airline operating over 3,000 flights daily across Europe. The summer period is peak travel season, with airports already struggling with staff shortages and high demand.
Other Airlines and Airports React
Other carriers, including easyJet and British Airways, have also expressed concerns but have not issued similar advisories. Airport operators are working with EU authorities to ensure smooth implementation, but many admit delays are likely. 'We are in close contact with border agencies, but this is a significant change,' said a spokesperson for ACI Europe, the airport trade body.
What Passengers Should Do
Passengers are advised to check the latest travel advice from their airline and allow plenty of time. Ryanair has also urged the EU to delay the rollout until systems are fully tested. 'It's better to delay than to cause chaos,' O'Leary said. The EES was originally scheduled for 2022 but has been postponed multiple times.
