Ryanair has issued a fresh update regarding its stance on the contentious EU Entry-Exit System (EES), urging the Portuguese government to suspend the new digital border checks until after the peak summer season. The budget carrier, a vocal critic of the system, highlighted ongoing disruptions at Portuguese airports, where EES has been repeatedly suspended during peak periods to allow passengers to catch their flights amid significant delays.
Ryanair's Statement on EES in Portugal
In a statement posted on Instagram, Ryanair declared: "Portuguese Government needs to suspend new Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer season. Otherwise, passengers are forced to endure excessive border control queue times at Portuguese airports." The airline's call comes as uncertainty surrounds reports that Portugal and Italy might follow Greece's lead in effectively halting EES for British nationals until summer's end, though neither country has confirmed such plans.
Understanding the EES System
The EES received a soft launch in October 2025 and became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It requires most non-EU visitors, including Britons, to register biometric information—such as fingerprints and facial scans—each time they enter or exit the Schengen free travel area. The Schengen zone comprises 27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus remain outside the Schengen area, so EES does not apply to travel there. Registration is free and no prior action is needed before reaching the border.
Impact on Travelers
Reports from Italy indicate that passengers have missed flights due to EES delays, prompting the UK Government to warn: "EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border." Ryanair has previously branded the system as "half-baked," noting that despite three years of preparation, countries like France, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Germany have failed to ensure adequate staffing, system readiness, or kiosks. The airline now calls on these EU governments to suspend the rollout until September to prevent unnecessary passenger suffering during the peak summer season.
