Spanish media outlets are reporting that six-hour queues could become a reality at airports this summer. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned the European Union's new digital border system is set to face significant pressure.
EES System Causes Chaos
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational throughout the Schengen Area since 10 April. Just two months on, it is causing lengthy queues, missed flights, and mounting concern within the travel sector. Airports Council International Europe reported that delays of up to three and a half hours have already been documented during busy periods. The six-hour estimate represents IATA's forecast for the peak summer months.
Airline Responses
UK budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 have all issued warnings about missed departures, schedule disruptions, and increased operating expenses. Ryanair passengers requiring airport check-in or bag-drop facilities will need to complete the process 20 minutes sooner than before. The airline confirmed it will shut these services an hour prior to a flight's scheduled departure – in contrast to the current 40 minutes – to allow passengers additional time to navigate security and passport control. This measure aims to reduce the "very small number of passengers" who miss their flight while waiting in queues, the carrier explained. Ryanair's website warns that passengers who fail to check in on time "may be denied boarding without refund". The new policy comes into effect from 10 November, though passengers will still be able to check in online up to two hours before departure.
Jet2 check-in desks open precisely three hours before scheduled departure and will not open any earlier, even with the new EES checks in place. The airline advises against arriving at the airport earlier than this, as those turning up too soon may be asked to wait to avoid congestion. The airline said: "There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK. We're really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately this is outside of our control."
Wizz Air Advises Three-Hour Arrival
The UK boss of budget carrier Wizz Air has cautioned British holidaymakers to arrive at European airports three hours before their return flight due to lengthy queues resulting from new border checks. Wizz Air's UK managing director Yvonne Moynihan said: "When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water." As EES information must be verified when people depart, she also highlighted the potential for queues before flights returning to the UK. "Because there is another passport check...that's where we see that people have, again, experienced longer waiting times than anticipated," she said. She explained that the standard guidance is to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight - "but in these circumstances, we are advising three hours".
easyJet and Broader Impact
easyJet stated: "Airports across Europe may experience longer waiting times at passport control due to the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). This could mean you need to have your biometrics taken at border checks, including the scanning of facial images and fingerprints."
Research conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has cautioned that as many as 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in spending could be at risk if delays of three hours or longer become commonplace. The data stems from a May 2026 survey of 2,512 travellers across the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Roughly one-third indicated that regular three-to-four-hour queues would significantly reduce their likelihood of visiting the Schengen Area, or deter them from travelling there entirely. British holidaymakers appear most concerned, with 39% stating they would be considerably less inclined to travel. The proportion stands at 33% for Americans and Canadians, and 27% for Australians.
Public awareness presents another challenge. More than half of respondents (55%) had heard little or nothing about EES, while 49% remain unclear about what will be required of them at the border. In one reported incident, over 100 passengers allegedly missed a flight from Milan to Manchester after becoming caught in passport control queues. Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 have all issued warnings regarding missed departures, disrupted schedules, and increasing operational costs.
