EU travellers risk missing flights due to long queues at new border checks, experts warn.
Long border queues from the new EU Entry/Exit System are delaying flights for passengers
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced last October, has caused major delays at airports for non-EU passengers, as the process of recording photos and fingerprints has increased security processing times by up to 70%, according to Airports Council International.
One family’s easyJet flight from Málaga was missed despite arriving three hours before departure. Their bag drop didn’t open until two hours prior, and long queues meant it took 47 minutes to check luggage, leaving insufficient time to clear security with young children. Five other passengers also missed the flight.
EasyJet admitted bag drop times are set by airlines and currently have no plans to change the two-hour window. The airline acknowledged “abnormally long queues” on the day and advised passengers to allow “additional time,” but the family spent an extra £1,000 on rescue fares to return home.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed there is no standardised solution, citing “operational, regulatory, and commercial realities.” It warned the EES rollout could pose operational risks before the summer peak and urged member states to consider suspending or partially suspending the system at busy periods, reinforce staffing, and remove redundant checks.
Passengers are being advised to travel light and use cabin bags wherever possible to avoid missing flights.
Many travellers are now reconsidering how they pack and plan their journeys. Experts suggest checking in online as early as possible, arriving even earlier than usual, and preparing all documents and boarding passes in advance to speed up the process.
Some frequent flyers report that airports with multiple EES kiosks or staff-assisted lanes can help reduce delays, but availability is inconsistent across Europe.
For families with young children, experts stress that planning pit stops, snacks, and entertainment ahead of time is crucial, as waiting in long queues can quickly become exhausting and stressful.