Ryanair's Maltese subsidiary, Malta Air, has warned it may reduce flights to the island nation unless lengthy queue delays at the airport are resolved. CEO David O'Brien said the airline could redirect capacity to other Mediterranean destinations if border check hold-ups persist, citing significant congestion and delays under the EU's new entry/exit system (EES).
The EES, which requires biometric registration for non-EU travellers, has caused waits of up to 40 minutes at Malta Airport. British passengers, who represent Malta's largest market, have been particularly affected. O'Brien cautioned that Europe is 'utterly unprepared' and that the summer peak has not yet arrived.
David Curmi, executive chairman of national carrier KM Malta, also voiced concerns, noting that airlines are forced to compensate passengers who miss flights due to EES-related delays. Both aviation chiefs have called for the system to be suspended during the summer period.
Meanwhile, Greece has suspended the EU fingerprint and facial scans for British holidaymakers to avoid queue chaos. Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, said the move would ensure a smoother arrival experience and significantly reduce waiting times.
Elsewhere, 122 passengers were reportedly prevented from boarding a flight from Milan to Manchester due to EES delays. The system, designed to strengthen border security, requires travellers to provide biometric data and answer questions about their visit. The Home Office had previously warned of longer wait times at border control.
