Holidaymakers jetting off from the UK this summer are being warned to prepare for significant delays and disruption at major airports, as new EU border rules come into force. A perfect storm of enhanced biometric checks and ongoing post-Brexit processing is set to create lengthy queues at passport control.
Which UK Airports Are Facing the Biggest Impact?
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU travellers. This EU initiative will require the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, significantly increasing processing times per passenger.
Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest hub, is expected to bear the brunt of the disruption. Gatwick and Manchester airports are also on high alert, anticipating severe congestion. Even regional airports like Bristol have issued warnings to travellers about potential delays.
Why Will There Be Delays?
The core of the problem lies in the manual nature of the new checks. Unlike the current simple passport stamp, the EES process is far more involved.
- Biometric Data Collection: Each passenger will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a facial image captured.
- First-Time Registration: The process is mandatory for all British travellers upon their first entry into the EU after the system launches.
- Limited Space: Many UK airport terminals were not designed with the extra space needed for these new checks, leading to bottlenecks.
Aviation experts are drawing parallels with the widespread chaos seen at Dover and the Port of Folkestone, where similar post-Brexit checks have caused miles of tailbacks and multi-hour delays.
What Does This Mean for Your Summer Holiday?
Travelers are being strongly advised to build in extra time for their airport experience. The message from airports and airlines is clear: expect longer queues and be patient. The disruption is unlikely to be a one-off event but a new reality for travel between the UK and the European Union.
While the exact implementation date is still to be confirmed, the travel industry is urging the government for more clarity and support to mitigate the impact on the millions of Brits planning to travel abroad this year.
