Ryanair has issued a strong criticism of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), labeling its implementation a “shambles” and raising concerns about impending long queues at border crossings. The airline is urging the EU Commission to extend a temporary exemption period to prevent significant disruptions for travelers.
EES System Under Fire
The EES, scheduled for full implementation in October 2025, aims to modernize border management for the Schengen Area by replacing manual passport stamps with electronic data collection. This system requires non-EU citizens to register fingerprints and facial scans upon entry into the 29 participating countries. The stated goals are to enhance security and streamline border processes. However, the rollout has faced considerable challenges, with some European airports experiencing prolonged queues and passengers missing flights due to the delays.
To mitigate these issues, member states were granted the ability to partially suspend digital checks during peak travel periods over the summer. This flexibility was intended to alleviate pressure on border control. Despite these measures, Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, Neal McMahon, stated that the EU’s handling of the EES has been problematic from the outset. He highlighted that airlines, airports, and border authorities had previously warned Brussels about the system’s unreadiness and its potential to increase processing times and create excessive queues.
Ryanair’s Demands for Extension
Ryanair is calling for the EU Commission to extend the current derogation for the EES until at least April 2027. The airline argues this extension is crucial to “prevent severe border control congestion.” McMahon emphasized that passengers should not bear the consequences of what he described as a “failed EES rollout.” He believes the extended period would provide airports and border authorities with the necessary time to address critical issues such as malfunctioning kiosks, insufficient staffing, and overall system efficiency before full enforcement begins.
“Airlines, airports and border authorities repeatedly warned Brussels that the rollout was not ready, that it would increase processing times and that it would create excessive queues for passengers. Those warnings were ignored, with EU citizens the ones delayed and disrupted,” McMahon stated. He further stressed that the delay is needed to ensure the system can operate efficiently, preventing passengers from facing “excessive border control delays for another season.”
Past Incidents Highlight Systemic Issues
The concerns raised by Ryanair are echoed by incidents that have already occurred. In April, approximately 100 easyJet passengers were reportedly stranded at Milan Linate Airport due to EES-related delays. The airline at the time described the situation as “outside of [their] control,” even delaying a flight by 52 minutes in an attempt to allow passengers more time to board. Despite this, many missed their flights, leading to difficulties in arranging alternative travel home.
Another traveler recounted a chaotic experience on a British Airways flight from Naples to London. Rich Pleeth described the passport control situation as “complete chaos,” with an estimated three-hour wait for the manual queue for human border officers, while electronic gates had no queues. He noted a lack of coordination, with passengers struggling to navigate the system and tempers flaring. “Arguments and fights were breaking out, and lots of people missed our flight,” Pleeth reported, adding that his family was “incredibly lucky to make it” only by managing to reach the front of the line.
Pleeth’s experience highlighted that the technology itself might not be the primary issue, but rather the lack of a coordinated response when the process breaks down. Traveling with young children, he found the situation particularly stressful, with no apparent process for families or for passengers with imminent flights.
Potential for Continued Flexibility
The ongoing challenges have led to speculation that some member states may not fully enforce the EES checks after the September deadline, despite official statements from Brussels indicating no extension of the discretionary period. A senior airline source suggested that while monitoring would continue, full enforcement at major European airports was not anticipated.
This sentiment is partly fueled by past actions, such as Greece’s temporary suspension of biometric scans for UK visitors in April due to severe waiting times at airports like Corfu. Although Greek authorities later clarified that no official exemption exists for UK citizens, reports suggest the country may continue to unofficially ease checks. Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at the UK travel industry body ABTA, indicated that the organization is actively advocating for the European Commission to permit discretionary suspension of border checks beyond September, acknowledging that “there is still some way to go until EES is fully and consistently operational across all participating countries.”
Looking Ahead
As the EES system moves towards full implementation, the concerns raised by Ryanair and the experiences of travelers highlight significant operational hurdles. The call for an extended grace period underscores the perceived need for more time to ensure the system functions smoothly and efficiently, thereby avoiding widespread travel disruptions and passenger frustration.
