Easter Exodus Sees Over Two Million Brits Take Flight Amid Travel Warnings
This Easter weekend will witness a massive travel surge, with more than two million British holidaymakers taking to the skies for overseas breaks. According to ABTA, the association representing travel agents and tour operators, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are projected to be the busiest travel days. The timing of Easter falling squarely within the school holidays has intensified the rush, with some travelers returning from week-long trips while others embark on new journeys.
Shift in Travel Patterns Due to Global Conflicts
Travel dynamics this Easter are markedly different from previous years, largely influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This has prompted many holidaymakers to alter their plans, opting for European destinations instead. ABTA members report robust booking figures for mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, and Greece. City breaks are also in high demand, with Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, and Dublin emerging as top choices.
With Easter occurring early this year, numerous travelers are seizing the opportunity to enjoy the final remnants of the winter ski season. However, the festive period brings significant challenges, particularly at European airports where lengthy queues are anticipated.
New EU Border System Sparks Concerns Over Delays
A major factor contributing to potential disruptions is the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across most European borders. This biometric border control process, which has been gradually rolled out since October 2025 and now involves 29 countries, requires non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to register details such as facial scans and fingerprints upon arrival and departure from participating Schengen Area nations.
ABTA emphasizes that travelers must account for additional time at passport control due to EES procedures. The association advises following guidance from travel providers, especially regarding arrival times for return journeys, to mitigate delays.
Industry Leaders Warn of Prolonged Waiting Times
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, commented: 'Easter represents one of the peak periods for the travel industry, with millions embarking on overseas breaks. Our members have diligently assisted customers in preparing for their travels, including making alternative arrangements for those affected by Middle East conflicts. We urge all travelers to verify their plans beforehand, anticipate busy roads, and allow ample time for departures, particularly when facing EES checks in Europe.'
Airports Council International (ACI) has reported a steady increase in waiting times at European border crossings, with queues often extending up to two hours during peak periods. Some airports have experienced even longer delays. Olivier Jankovec, Director-General of ACI, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe, jointly stated: 'Passengers entering the Schengen area are likely to encounter extended waits at border control this Easter, owing to persistent operational challenges with the EES rollout.'
Reports of Travel Chaos and Missed Flights
British holidaymakers are already confronting travel turmoil, with reports of four-hour queues at airports this week. The Home Office and holiday companies have issued warnings about potential two-to-four-hour delays at certain destinations over the Bank Holiday weekend. Instances of long, slow-moving lines have been documented at popular Schengen airports, such as Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, alongside technical issues like crashing gates, as seen in Gran Canaria last month.
In some cases, processing times have surged by 70 percent, leading to passengers missing their flights. These disruptions underscore the critical need for travelers to plan ahead and exercise patience during this exceptionally busy Easter travel period.
