Lisbon Alongside Madrid, Frankfurt Hahn, Berlin, Malaga and More Than a Dozen of Airports Become Europe’s New Travel Hotspots for Delays as Ryanair Exposes EES System Problems Affecting UK Tourists During Peak Holiday Season

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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July 16, 2026 21:52 GMT+5:30

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Lisbon alongside Madrid, Frankfurt Hahn, Berlin, Malaga and more than a dozen airports have become Europe’s new travel delay hotspots as the rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES) creates longer passport queues and slower border processing for UK tourists during the peak holiday season. The new biometric border system, introduced to digitally record non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area, has increased pressure on airport operations, with busy European gateways facing challenges in managing passenger flows, additional identity checks and rising summer travel demand.

European airports are facing increased summer travel pressure as the new Entry-Exit System (EES) introduces additional digital border checks for millions of non-European travellers, including passengers from the United Kingdom. The new system has been designed to modernise border management across the European Union and Schengen Area by replacing traditional passport stamps with automated digital records. However, concerns have increased over longer processing times, extended queues and possible delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The EES requires travellers from countries outside the EU and Schengen Area to provide biometric information during border checks. This includes fingerprints and facial images, alongside digital records of arrival and departure dates. While the system aims to improve security, efficiency and monitoring of international movement, airports and airlines have faced challenges in adapting to the new procedures.

Summer holiday travel is expected to put additional pressure on border facilities, as millions of passengers are expected to move through European airports. Families travelling from the UK to popular European destinations could experience longer waiting times, especially during peak departure and arrival periods.

Airline operators have raised concerns that some airports may not yet have sufficient infrastructure or processing capacity to manage the additional requirements. The increased time needed for biometric registration and verification has become a major focus as European aviation prepares for heavy summer demand.

Lisbon, Madrid, Malaga and Other Major Airports Identified Among Most Affected Locations

A number of European airports have been highlighted as potential areas where passengers could experience longer queues and slower passport processing due to the EES implementation. The airports identified include major tourism gateways serving millions of international visitors every year.

Lisbon Airport in Portugal has been listed among the airports facing increased pressure, with the destination attracting large numbers of UK visitors throughout the summer season. Madrid Airport in Spain has also been included due to its role as one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, handling significant international passenger traffic.

Popular Spanish holiday airports including Tenerife South, Lanzarote, Alicante and Malaga have also been identified as locations where travellers could face longer passport control procedures. These airports serve some of Europe’s most visited holiday destinations and experience significant seasonal passenger increases during summer months.

Italy’s Milan Bergamo, Milan Malpensa and Verona airports are also among the locations facing additional pressure. These airports connect international visitors with major tourism regions across Italy, making efficient border processing particularly important during the peak travel period.

France’s Paris Beauvais Airport, Germany’s Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt Hahn airports, Poland’s Krakow Airport and Hungary’s Budapest Airport complete the list of locations highlighted for possible EES-related delays.

The airports represent some of Europe’s most important leisure and business travel connections, meaning any slowdown in border processing could affect thousands of passengers every day.

UK Travellers Advised to Allow Extra Time for European Airport Journeys

Passengers travelling from the UK to Europe are being advised to plan additional time at airports because of the possibility of longer border queues. Travellers connecting between Schengen and non-Schengen destinations may be particularly affected, as additional identity checks could be required during their journey.

The introduction of biometric border procedures means passengers may need more time than previous years to complete arrival and departure processes. Unlike traditional passport stamping, digital registration requires additional steps that can increase processing times, especially when large groups of passengers arrive simultaneously.

Families travelling with children, elderly passengers and those unfamiliar with the new procedures could require additional assistance while completing border requirements. During peak summer travel periods, even small increases in processing time can create significant congestion inside airport terminals.

Passengers are therefore expected to arrive earlier than usual and prepare all required travel documents before reaching passport control. Ensuring passports are valid and following airport instructions could help reduce delays and improve passenger flow.

The impact of EES is expected to be closely monitored throughout the summer as European airports continue adjusting to the new border technology.

New Digital Border System Changes How Non-EU Visitors Enter Europe

The Entry-Exit System represents one of the biggest changes to European border procedures in recent years. It has been introduced to create a more secure and automated method of tracking travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area.

Previously, non-EU visitors received physical passport stamps when crossing borders. Under the new system, passenger movements are recorded electronically, creating a central digital database of travel information.

The system is intended to strengthen border security by providing authorities with more accurate information about visitor movements. It is also designed to identify overstays and improve the management of external borders.

However, the transition has created operational challenges. Airports must ensure that biometric equipment, staff training and passenger processing areas are fully prepared to manage increased demand.

During normal travel periods, the additional checks may be manageable. However, during summer holidays, when airports experience some of their highest passenger volumes, even minor delays can quickly result in longer queues.

European aviation authorities and airports have been working to improve procedures, but concerns remain over whether every location will be able to maintain smooth passenger movement during peak periods.

Tourism Destinations Prepare for Increased Summer Passenger Pressure

The airports affected by possible EES-related delays are located in some of Europe’s most popular tourism markets. Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Poland and Hungary attract millions of international visitors every year, particularly during the summer holiday season.

Spain remains one of the largest destinations for UK travellers, with coastal regions, islands and major cities attracting high numbers of visitors. Airports such as Malaga, Alicante, Tenerife South and Lanzarote play a crucial role in supporting tourism demand.

Portugal’s Lisbon Airport continues to serve as a major gateway for international travellers exploring the country’s historic cities, coastline and cultural attractions. Italy’s airports provide access to some of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations, while Germany’s airports support both leisure and business travel networks.

As international tourism continues recovering and growing, efficient airport operations have become increasingly important. Delays at border control points can affect passenger satisfaction, airline schedules and the wider tourism economy.

Travel businesses, hotels and transport operators are also watching the situation closely because airport delays can influence visitor experiences from the beginning of a holiday.

European Airports Face Challenge of Balancing Security and Passenger Experience

The introduction of the EES highlights the challenge faced by European authorities in balancing stronger border security with smooth passenger movement. Digital border systems are expected to provide long-term benefits, but the transition period remains a critical stage.

Airports must adapt their operations while managing growing passenger demand. Investment in technology, staffing and passenger guidance will play an important role in reducing disruption.

For travellers, preparation will remain essential throughout the summer season. Understanding the new procedures, arriving earlier and following airport guidance can help reduce stress during international journeys.

The EES system is expected to become a permanent part of European travel, meaning passengers and airports will gradually become more familiar with the new process. However, the first major summer travel period under the system will provide an important test of its effectiveness.

As millions of UK holidaymakers prepare to travel across Europe, airports including Lisbon, Madrid, Malaga, Berlin, Frankfurt Hahn and more than a dozen other major gateways will be closely monitored for their ability to manage the new digital border environment.

Lisbon alongside Madrid, Frankfurt Hahn, Berlin, Malaga and more than a dozen airports are facing summer travel delays as the new EES biometric border system increases passport processing times and creates longer queues for UK tourists across Europe.

The success of the system will depend on whether technology, infrastructure and passenger demand can work together without creating major disruption during Europe’s busiest travel season.