Ryanair issues airport delay warning to UK families over 15 destinations – list

Ryanair has issued a warning to UK families planning trips to 15 destinations in Europe, advising them to expect significant airport delays caused by the EU’s new digital passport control system. The airline highlighted that the Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaced traditional passport stamps with a digital record, has led to “slow processing times and excessive queues” at multiple airports. These delays affect both incoming and outgoing flights, creating frustration among travelers during the height of the summer travel season. The issue emerged months after the EES was fully operational on April 10, 2026. Despite this, many airports continue to struggle with fully functional self-service kiosks, insufficient staffing, and outdated infrastructure. As school holidays begin and passenger numbers rise, the situation has worsened, leading to prolonged waits at passport control. Ryanair noted that the system requires passengers to undergo passport scanning, fingerprint capture, and facial image verification, all contributing to the backlog. Among the 15 destinations most impacted by the EES-related delays are Lisbon, Tenerife South, Madrid, Lanzarote, Alicante, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Milan Malpensa, Verona, Paris Beauvais, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt Hahn, Krakow, and Budapest. These locations have been identified as recurring problem areas where processing times remain unacceptably high. Travelers flying to or passing through these airports may face extended waits, particularly during peak travel periods. Ryanair emphasized that the current state of the EES system is not yet ready for full implementation. The airline supports efforts by EU member states to extend the current flexibility period for the EES until early 2027. This extension would provide airports and border authorities additional time to address technical issues, increase staffing, and ensure smoother operations before the system becomes mandatory. Without such measures, the airline warns that the strain on already overwhelmed systems will persist. In a statement, Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon, expressed concern over the impact on families traveling during the summer. He stated that passengers should focus on packing their bags and preparing for their holidays rather than enduring long lines at passport control. McMahon criticized the EES rollout, calling it a failure that has placed undue pressure on travelers. He reiterated that the system is not yet reliable and urged authorities to prioritize improvements before enforcing stricter requirements. The airline has called for urgent action to resolve the ongoing disruptions. It stressed that the current setup is placing the burden of testing on ordinary travelers, who are not responsible for the shortcomings of the system. With summer travel in full swing, the need for a functional and efficient border control system has become increasingly apparent. Ryanair hopes that extending the EES flexibility will help alleviate some of the pressures and restore confidence in the system. Until then, travelers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate potential delays at European airports.