Introduction to the New Entry/Exit System
The new Entry/Exit system, known as EES, was fully implemented last month and has already caused significant disruption across Europe. Travellers are now facing long airport queues and chaos as the automated digital border system for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, is rolled out. This system requires biometric registration, including fingerprints and photographs, and is currently in operation in 29 European countries.
Challenges Faced by Travelers
Since the introduction of the EES, countless holidaymakers have experienced problems, with long queues and even missed flights becoming common. Ryanair, a budget Irish carrier, has called for the temporary suspension of the EES system until September to manage the peak summer season. The airline has written to the governments of all 29 countries, urging them to suspend the EES until the peak season subsides.
In Spain, which has been particularly impacted by the system, Ryanair criticized the lack of adequate staffing, system readiness, and installation of kiosks. Alicante Airport, one of Spain’s busiest hubs, has been pushed to ‘breaking point’ due to the EES system and lack of staff, according to the Olive Press.
Impact on Specific Airports
Málaga Airport has also faced challenges, with a British holidaymaker stranded with her daughter after missing her flight. Michelle Maguire and her daughter were due to fly back from Malaga to Liverpool but did not make it home until 24 hours later after being held up in travel chaos that cost the family £1,000.
Ryanair reported that waiting times are over one to two hours at many airports, including Málaga, Alicante, Lanzarote, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Reus, and Fuerteventura. In Italy, queues have been particularly bad in Bergamo, Malpensa, Fiumicino, Ciampino, Venice, Turin, Palermo, Pisa, and Naples. Meanwhile, in France, long queues have been reported at Beauvais, Marseille, and Nantes airports.
Ryanair’s Response and Suggestions
Neal McMahon, Chief Operations Officer of Ryanair, stated that governments across Europe are trying to implement a half-baked computer system in the middle of the peak travel season, causing passengers to endure long queues and miss flights. He suggested that the solution is to suspend the EES until September, as provided for in EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2025/1534), allowing passengers to enjoy a smoother airport experience during their summer holidays.
Adjustments in Spain
Some countries have already responded to the challenges created by the EES. In Spain, hubs have introduced new rules to tackle the chaos and make things easier for families and those with disabilities. AENA, the Spanish airport authority, has requested that workers help vulnerable passengers and families with young children avoid the queues.
Passengers who recently travelled to Barcelona-El Prat Airport at peak hours have reported lengthy queues. On Reddit, a parent shared how they were forced to stand in line with their crying children for more than three hours with ‘nowhere to go other than the restroom’, while alleging airport staff did ‘nothing to help’.
Madrid-Barajas Airport Experience
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport was the first hub in Spain to roll out the EES system in October 2025. EES queues appear to be more controlled here compared to other Spanish hubs. Many passengers have reported short queues with priority lines for children. However, some claim that machines at the Madrid airport can be ‘sensitive’. One person told The Olive Press: ‘You have to press down hard on the passport for it to read, press fingertips down firmly to register.’
Another passenger said: ‘From luggage drop-off to gate, it took us about 20 minutes … including biometric capture and passport control.’ Holidaymakers may be allowed to skip the biometric machines if the line is longer than 25 minutes and head straight to passport control instead, as reported by The Sun.
Greece’s Decision to Suspend Fingerprinting
Elsewhere, Greece recently pulled the plug on fingerprinting and facial scans to help holidaymakers avoid the chaos. Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, stated the decision would ‘ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece’ and ‘significantly reduce waiting times’ while easing congestion at airports.
Greece’s decision is seen as a strategic move to protect its vital tourism sector, which relies heavily on British visitors. With no confirmed end date for the exemption, speculation is mounting that other Mediterranean countries could follow suit.
Influence on Holiday Plans
Travel experts say the change may already be influencing holiday plans. A spokesman for ABTA noted that Europe is seeing a big increase in interest as a holiday destination this year due to the war in the Middle East. The organisation expects Greece to rank as the fifth most popular destination for Britons this summer, behind Spain, France, Italy, and the United States.
‘I think it’s too early to say what this change might mean for the number of people visiting, particularly as decisions on where to go are based on a number of factors,’ the spokesman added.
