Ryanair Sounds Alarm on Long Queues at Key European Airports this Summer

Ryanair is sounding the alarm for summer travelers as it has highlighted potential delays caused by lengthy passport queues at seven major European airports. This warning comes as the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) begins to take effect, clashing with the peak of family vacations, high flight schedules, and limited resources for border control.
The airline has suggested that European governments should pause the EES implementation until September, advising passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, especially when flying between Schengen and non-Schengen countries. Airports identified as already experiencing significant delays include Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante, Málaga, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, and Paris Beauvais.

Ryanair Alerts Travelers to Longer Waits

This advisory comes at a crucial time for European tourism, as schools close for summer break and families scramble to secure beach holidays. Demand for budget flights in Spain, Italy, Poland, and France is climbing sharply. According to Ryanair, the EES rollout is creating unnecessary pressures at border checkpoints, requiring an increase in staff, additional kiosks, and improved readiness of systems before the high summer travel season.

The affected airports are key hubs for holidaymakers. Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante, and Málaga are beloved destinations for travelers from the UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe. Likewise, Milan Bergamo is an essential entry point for Ryanair flights in Italy, while Krakow has become an increasingly popular city for short breaks and cultural tours. Paris Beauvais caters to budget-conscious tourists heading to both the French capital and beyond.

This issue is not limited to just one airline; extensive queues at passport control can lead to flight delays, hinder aircraft turnaround, cause missed connections, and tarnish the initial experience for visitors. For regions reliant on tourism, smooth airport processing is paramount to maintaining a favorable image.

The Impact of the EU Entry/Exit System on Travelers

The EES represents the EU’s initiative aimed at streamlining border management for non-EU nationals on short stays across 29 European destinations. It captures vital traveler data including names, travel documents, biometric identifiers like fingerprints and facial images, and records entry and exit details. Additionally, the system logs instances where entry is denied.
Implemented from April 10, 2026, the European Commission contends the EES will replace manual passport stamping, aiming to deter overstays, bolster border security, and identify those using counterfeit documentation. The Commission asserts that the EES can also help facilitate broader automation and self-service options at border checkpoints.

However, the initial registration process is likely to take longer than the typical passport stamping, especially for UK passport holders who may need to provide fingerprints and a photo upon entering the Schengen zone. British travelers are informed that actions do not need to be taken prior to arrival, and the EES registration is performed free of charge.

Preparing for Travel: Advice for British and Non-EU Tourists

This warning is particularly pertinent for UK travelers, as the UK is outside the EU jurisdiction. UK passport carriers are included in the EES unless they qualify for specific exemptions. According to guidance from the UK government, the digital EES record will be valid for three years. However, passenger checks may still include a fingerprint or photo upon exit from the Schengen area.
Typically, passengers entering the Schengen area by air or ferry will register their data upon arrival at their destination, while passengers using ferry services like Eurotunnel or Eurostar undergo checks before leaving the UK. The UK government has provided funding to improve kiosks and infrastructure at these points, further facilitating the process.

Travelers must understand that the EES is not merely a check-in hurdle but is integrated within border control processes, impacting arrivals, departures, and layovers. It is advisable for travelers to refer to their airline’s recommendations, airport guidelines, and passport-control protocols prior to their journey.

Industry Concerns Over Peak Summer Strain

The aviation industry is raising flags about the upcoming summer challenges. A coalition of organizations, including ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe, and IATA, collectively petitioned the European Commission in July 2026, arguing that EES implementation has led to considerable operational repercussions, affecting passengers, airports, airlines, and border authorities. Reports indicate that border wait times have soared to as much as five hours during peak travel sessions.
Given that airports are expected to see around 40 million more passengers during July and August than in the preceding two months, the pressures on the travel systems will only escalate. The industry advocates for a balance between stringent security measures and the operational efficiency needed to foster a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

Key Actions for Travelers This Summer

For travelers passing through the aforementioned airports, Ryanair recommends allowing extra time for airport processes, particularly with the anticipated surge in passport-check delays. Vacationers are encouraged to check in online whenever possible, keep identification and boarding passes at the ready, and pay close attention to instructions from airport personnel at biometric checkpoints. Families with children should brace for longer waiting times, while individuals requiring assistance should reach out to airlines or airports ahead of time to organize necessary support.

Cruise passengers should closely examine their travel itineraries. Certain cruises that start and end outside of the Schengen area may be exempt from EES checks for day excursions. However, those disembarking into the Schengen area while transitioning to further transport may still need to undergo checks.

Managing Summer Travel Expectations at EU Borders

The EES aims to modernize border control in Europe, providing authorities with a robust digital record of entries and exits for short-term stays. However, the current summer challenges illustrate the potential for such technology to disrupt tourist experiences when infrastructure, staffing levels, and passenger numbers do not align adequately.
For popular destinations like Spain, Italy, Poland, and France, ensuring efficient airport procedures during the busy summer months is essential. Extended queues could quickly shift from mere inconvenience to impacting flight reliability, tourist confidence, and the destination’s overall perception.

Ryanair’s advisory thus elevates the EES from a technical border policy to a pressing travel concern for holidaymakers. The essential message remains: travelers should plan ahead, brace for extended passport checks, and adhere to official guidelines. Meanwhile, for airport authorities and governments, the challenge is to ensure that enhanced border security does not compromise the summer travel experience for visitors.

Source: The post Ryanair Issues Urgent Warning Over Long Queues at Tenerife, Palma, Alicante Málaga Milan, Bergamo, Krakow, and Paris Beauvais as EU Entry Exit System Slows Peak Summer Airport Operations first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.