British holidaymakers are being advised to arrive at airports up to three hours before their return flights to the UK due to delays caused by the European Union's new Entry Exit System (EES). The warning comes from Wizz Air UK director Yvonne Moynihan, who said some travellers have missed flights after being held up at passport control in several European countries.
Under the EES, passengers from third countries entering and leaving the Schengen area must provide fingerprints and facial biometrics. Since its introduction last October, around 80 million people have been processed under the system. However, some countries have experienced technical problems, leading to long queues.
Greece has suspended the system for the summer to ease congestion at holiday hotspots. The European Commission insists the system is functioning smoothly at most airports and ports, but Moynihan urged passengers to be prepared for delays and to carry sufficient supplies.
Airports can register passengers manually if self-service kiosks fail, or suspend the system for up to six hours in exceptional circumstances, reverting to traditional passport stamping. The Schengen area includes 29 countries, all EU members except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
