Europe’s New Entry/Exit System Is Causing Airport Chaos—Here Are the Worst-Affected Destinations

The New Entry/Exit System (EES) is Causing Major Travel Disruptions in Europe

The new Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced in October, has been causing significant disruptions across Europe since its rollout. This automated digital border system is now being used in 29 countries and is designed for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes most of the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Under the EES, travelers are required to register biometric details such as fingerprints and photographs. However, the implementation of this system has led to long queues at airports and, in some cases, passengers missing their flights. Budget airline Ryanair has even written to all the countries using the EES, urging them to temporarily suspend the system due to the chaos it has created.

Research by Holiday Extras revealed that one in 30 UK holidaymakers have changed their destination because of the EES-related chaos, and one in five say they are likely to do so. So, where are the worst places experiencing these delays?

Italy: A Hub of Chaos

Milan Malpensa Airport has been described as one of the worst hubs for EES delays by travel expert Simon Calder. He shared his personal experience on The Travel Expert podcast, revealing that he spent an hour on fingerprint registration after arriving from Gatwick on an easyJet flight. He then faced another 45 minutes of waiting at a different terminal, where staff asked for fingerprints again—despite this not being in line with the rules.

Other Italian airports, such as Milan Linate, have also experienced chaos. In April, around 100 easyJet customers were left stranded at Linate while waiting to board a flight to Manchester. Three-hour queues plagued travelers, and the airline admitted the situation was “outside of our control.” The delays forced some passengers to seek alternative means of getting home, with some only discovering they had missed their flight once it had departed.

Portugal: A Destination in Disarray

Lisbon has also been hit hard by the EES. Simon Calder highlighted the city as one of the worst affected, recounting “terrible stories” about the hub. Ex-UK and EU diplomat Rupert Joy described the situation as “complete chaos,” with many people missing flights despite arriving hours in advance due to long queues.

A traveler on social media shared their frustration, stating, “Having the machines at the start of the queue before going through passport control just caused a massive queue leaving Lisbon.” Meanwhile, a Reddit user described a queue that stretched through the entire terminal and outside. Security at the airport reportedly stopped using the new system and reverted to stamping passports manually.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro even threatened to suspend the EES, a move supported by Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas.

France and Germany: Long Queues at Major Hubs

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Frankfurt Airport have also been identified as problematic destinations. Simon Calder noted that these airports are major hubs, especially for travelers flying from regional UK airports. He explained that while intercontinental flights may avoid the Schengen border, connecting flights within Europe face significant delays.

In April, a parent traveling with a child at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport shared their experience on social media, stating, “Absolutely ridiculous queue for passport control. EU passport with a child under 12, I’ve been queuing for over two hours and still there’s at least a hundred people ahead of me.”

Copenhagen: A Travel Advisory Warning

Copenhagen has also been affected, with the UK Foreign Office issuing updated guidance for travelers. The advisory warns that delays at passport control can occur when arriving at or departing from Copenhagen Airport on flights to or from non-Schengen countries, including the UK. It recommends allowing extra time and seeking assistance if needed.

Spain: Struggling with the System

Spain’s Alicante Airport has been reported to be “pushed to breaking point” due to the EES and a lack of staff, according to the Olive Press. Málaga Airport has also faced challenges, with a British holidaymaker stranded for 24 hours after missing her flight. Ryanair has confirmed that waiting times at Spanish airports can exceed one to two hours.

To address the issue, Spanish airports have introduced new rules to assist vulnerable passengers and families with young children avoid the queues.

Alternatives to Avoid the Chaos

For those looking to avoid the EES chaos, there are several destinations where the system does not apply. Turkey, for example, has seen a surge in demand, with trips jumping by 57% in April. Cyprus and Morocco are also popular alternatives, offering beautiful beaches, hotels, and great weather without the hassle of EES queues.

Morocco, particularly Agadir, is an affordable summer destination with long stretches of sandy beaches, vibrant markets, and 300 days of sunshine.