Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, Poland and Hungary Hit by New Airport Queue Crisis as Ryanair Warns British Travellers

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July 22, 2026 09:58 GMT+5:30

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Ryanair, Glasgow Airport, Entry Exit System, EES, Schengen Area, European Travel Information and Authorisation System, ETIAS, and Europe travel are drawing heightened attention as British holidaymakers prepare for the busy summer travel season. Fresh warnings issued by Ryanair have highlighted the possibility of significant delays at several major European airports, with the airline urging passengers departing from Glasgow Airport to allow extra time for their journeys. The disruption has been linked to the ongoing implementation of the European Union’s Entry Exit System, which continues to affect border processing months after its rollout.

As international travel demand rises during the peak holiday period, travellers entering the Schengen Area are being required to complete additional biometric procedures, including fingerprint collection and facial recognition. Combined with infrastructure challenges and staffing pressures, these new border requirements are contributing to longer processing times, prompting airlines to seek further flexibility before full enforcement of the system.

Ryanair Issues New Summer Travel Warning for British Passengers

British travellers planning European holidays have been advised by Ryanair to prepare for longer waiting times at passport control during the summer season.

Passengers departing from Glasgow Airport and travelling to several popular European destinations have been specifically encouraged to allow additional time before departure and when arriving at border checkpoints.

The airline has indicated that travellers may experience significant queues at multiple airports as border authorities continue adapting to the requirements of the Entry Exit System.

The advisory has been issued ahead of one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when airports across Europe traditionally experience increased passenger volumes.

Entry Exit System Continues Affecting Border Processing

The latest travel disruptions have been associated with the continued implementation of the European Union’s Entry Exit System, commonly known as EES.

The system was initially introduced during October of the previous year before its rollout accelerated on April 10.

Under the new framework, British travellers and other non-European Union visitors entering the Schengen Area are required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and facial scans.

These additional verification procedures have significantly changed the border entry process compared with previous years.

Although designed to strengthen border management and security, the implementation has created operational challenges at several airports.

Long Waiting Times Continue to Concern Travellers

Since its introduction, the Entry Exit System has generated widespread concern among airlines and passengers alike.

Extended queues have already been experienced at several airports, with some travellers reportedly facing waits of up to six hours during border processing.

Industry observers have suggested that operational challenges could continue for as long as two years while infrastructure improvements and staffing adjustments are completed.

The prospect of prolonged disruption has increased concerns among holidaymakers travelling during the busy European summer season.

Longer processing times have also placed additional pressure on airport operations throughout the region.

Airlines Seek Delayed Full Implementation

Several airlines have expressed concern regarding the timing of the system’s implementation.

Both Jet2 and Ryanair have supported calls for the rollout of the Entry Exit System to be postponed until after the peak summer travel period.

The objective has been to provide airports with additional time to improve operational efficiency while reducing disruption for travellers.

A smoother transition, supported by upgraded infrastructure and improved staffing levels, has been viewed by airlines as beneficial for both passengers and border authorities.

The aviation sector has continued encouraging authorities to adopt a phased approach where necessary.

Malta Air Raises Additional Concerns

Further criticism of the system has also emerged from Malta Air.

Chief Executive Officer David O’Brien previously warned that prolonged border delays created by the Entry Exit System could significantly affect airline operations.

Concerns were expressed regarding the impact of extended waiting times on passenger satisfaction, airport efficiency and flight scheduling.

The comments further illustrated the broader operational challenges facing airlines while the new border management system continues evolving.

Sixteen European Airports Identified

According to Ryanair, travellers should be prepared for particularly significant queues at 16 European airports frequently served from Glasgow Airport.

The airports identified include:

• Tenerife South
• Palma/Majorca
• Alicante
• Malaga
• Milan Bergamo
• Krakow
• Paris Beauvais
• Lisbon
• Madrid
• Lanzarote
• Milan Malpensa
• Verona
• Berlin
• Cologne
• Frankfurt Hahn
• Budapest

These destinations remain among the most popular choices for British holidaymakers throughout the summer travel season.

Calls Continue for Greater Flexibility

Neal McMahon, Chief Operations Officer at Ryanair, has continued supporting proposals introduced by several European Union Member States to extend existing Entry Exit System flexibilities into early 2027.

Such an extension has been viewed as an opportunity for airports and border agencies to strengthen operational readiness before full implementation.

Additional time would allow malfunctioning biometric kiosks to be repaired, staffing levels to be increased and border infrastructure to be further developed.

Greater operational stability has been identified as an important objective before stricter enforcement measures are introduced.

Passengers Encouraged to Prepare Carefully

Travellers planning journeys to Europe have been encouraged to prepare thoroughly before departure.

Allowing additional time for airport procedures has become increasingly important while the Entry Exit System continues being refined.

Passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations through affected airports have also been advised to anticipate possible delays during transit.

Monitoring airline updates, checking airport guidance and remaining flexible with travel schedules may help minimise inconvenience should operational conditions change unexpectedly.

Advance preparation has become one of the most effective ways of reducing travel-related stress during the implementation period.

ETIAS Introduction Moves to 2027

Alongside developments surrounding the Entry Exit System, another significant European travel programme has also experienced delays.

The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, known as ETIAS, has now been postponed until 2027.

The programme will apply to UK passport holders and other visa-exempt travellers visiting 30 European countries for short stays.

Applicants will be required to pay a €20 authorisation fee, although travellers under 18 years of age and those over 70 will remain exempt.

The postponement has reportedly resulted from continuing technical issues affecting the Entry Exit System together with wider operational challenges.

Infrastructure Challenges Continue Influencing Timelines

According to EU home affairs commissioner Magnus Brunner, several factors have contributed to implementation delays.

Insufficient staffing, infrastructure limitations and technical difficulties have all affected the rollout timetable.

EU-Lisa, the agency responsible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, has also reportedly acknowledged that launching the programme by the end of the current year was no longer considered feasible.

These developments demonstrate the complexity involved in introducing large-scale digital border management systems across multiple European countries.

European Border Changes Continue Shaping Summer Travel

The implementation of the Entry Exit System marks one of the most significant changes to European border procedures in recent years. While the new biometric requirements are intended to strengthen security across the Schengen Area, operational challenges continue affecting passengers, airlines and airport authorities alike. With Ryanair warning of significant queues at 16 major European airports, travellers departing from Glasgow Airport are being encouraged to allow additional time and remain informed throughout their journeys. Meanwhile, the postponement of ETIAS until 2027 provides authorities with additional time to address technical issues, improve infrastructure and strengthen staffing before further border changes are introduced. Until these improvements are completed, careful preparation is expected to remain essential for anyone travelling between the United Kingdom and Europe.