British families embarking on festive trips to Europe are confronting severe delays at airports, ferry ports, and on major roads, turning the Christmas getaway into a logistical nightmare.
Airport Gridlock and New EU Border Checks
The introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing significant bottlenecks at European airports. The automated system, now mandatory for all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area, requires travellers to scan fingerprints and facial biometrics at special kiosks.
Passengers arriving at Geneva for skiing holidays have faced punishing waits of up to four hours. Airports Council International reports a 70% surge in waiting times at check-in and exit areas across Europe, with delays exceeding three hours causing misery in France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
Ferry Port Snarl-Ups and Road Traffic Warnings
The problems extend beyond air travel. The Port of Dover experienced lengthy queues yesterday after French border controls were hit by IT issues. Port staff estimate nearly 30,000 cars will embark on outbound journeys during the festive period, forecasting its busiest Christmas getaway on record.
On the roads, the situation is equally daunting. The RAC predicts 37.5 million leisure trips by car will be made in the week before Christmas Eve. AA patrol expert Shaun Jones advised, ‘Patience will be your best present this year.’ Nick Mullender from the RAC added that journeys have ‘the potential to be Grinch-worthy without some careful planning.’
Industry Criticism and Official Response
Travel expert Paul Charles of the PC Agency criticised the rollout, stating, ‘There’s never a good time to introduce this sort of system... inevitably they [the EU] had not put enough resources into ensuring it is a smooth process.’
P&O Ferries has urged customers using Dover to allow extra time. A Department for Transport spokesman offered a more measured view: ‘The EU’s phased roll-out of EES is not yet fully implemented, and current queue times at Dover are normal for the Christmas period.’ The spokesman encouraged all travellers to check with their operator before departing.
