EES. Photo: Shutterstock Low-cost giant Ryanair is warning of unusual congestion at border controls at airports across the continent, following the implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES).
According to the company, which joins many other claims that have been heard on the matter in recent days, the launch comes precisely at the most sensitive time of the year, the school summer vacations, and could cause long lines, delays, and even missed flights.
The new EU system is designed to improve border controls in Schengen countries by digitally scanning passports, collecting fingerprints and taking facial photos of passengers. However, Ryanair says the existing infrastructure, including service points and staff, is not prepared to handle the huge passenger volume of July and August.
According to the company, popular airports such as Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Krakow and Paris Beauvais are already experiencing significant congestion, and the situation is expected to worsen as the peak season approaches. The company advises passengers to arrive at the airports earlier than usual, especially for flights to destinations outside the Schengen area.
Ryanair. Photo: ShutterstockRyanair's chief operating officer, Neil McMahon, argued that passengers "should not be used as guinea pigs for a half-baked passport control system that risks creating long lines, causing missed flights, and adding unnecessary stress at airports this summer,” adding that postponing the launch to September would allow for a smoother transition after the holiday season ends.
Ryanair is calling on European governments to act quickly and postpone the launch, but so far, the company says, it has not received a satisfactory response from the authorities. In the meantime, passengers are advised to arrive early and prepare for queues that may be longer than usual this summer.