‘Only going to get worse’ - Irish holiday makers warned of airport delays as EU border system causes chaos
Holiday makers are being urged to allow extra time this summer as EU’s new border system causes chaos across Europe.
Holiday makers travelling to Europe this summer are being warned to allow extra time at airports as the EU’s digital Entry/Exit system (ESS) is causing lengthy delays at a number of major airports.
The new border control system requires travellers from non-EU countries, including Britain to have their fingerprints scanned and and a facial photograph taken when entering or leaving in Schengen Area.
The biometric system replaces traditional passport stamping and is designed to improve border security while tackling overstays and fraudulent travel documents.
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The rollout has been plagued by operational problems, with reports of queues lasting up to five hours at some airports, with many passengers missing flights as a result.
Airlines have reported flights departing with empty seats because travellers were unable to clear border control in time.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1, Irish Times travel editor Cathy Adams warns the issue may “only get worse”.
She said much of the disruption stems from confusion around the new process, poor signage and the placement of biometric kiosks.
“It’s these operational realities that really make or break a holiday,” she said, adding that many passengers simply don’t know which queue they should be joining.
Airports including Amsterdam, Malaga, Porto, Rome, Malta and Budapest have all experienced significant delays since the system was introduced.
While Irish passport holders are not required to register their biometric details under the ESS, they are being impacted by the disruption.
Irish travellers are still being caught up in bottlenecks, particularly at busy holiday destinations, where poor queue management has seen EU passengers mistakenly directed into non-EU lines.
Popular budget airline Ryanair urged several EU governments earlier in the year to delay the rollout of the Entry/Exit system until after the busy summer season, citing lengthy queues and significant disruption at airports.
Airport security and safety auditor Kevin Byrne said that the issue lies with border authorities rather than specific airlines or airports, as immigration checks are the responsibility of each individual state.
He warned that the situation could worsen over the coming weeks as British schools break for the summer, bringing a surge in passenger numbers through European airports.
Popular budget airline Ryanair urged several EU governments to delay the rollout of the Entry/Exit system to be paused during the busy summer season due to ongoing travel disruption.
Passengers are being advised to arrive in the airport well in advance of their flight, pay close attention to signage and ensure they join the correct queue.
Those who miss a flight due to border control delays are unlikely to be covered by travel insurance, as insurers generally regard clearing security and passport control as the passengers responsibility.