British holidaymakers traveling back home from European airports are being advised to expect long queues as new border checks are implemented. Despite the potential delays, travelers are encouraged to continue booking vacations with confidence.
To avoid missing their flights, people are recommended to arrive at airports three hours before departure, as extended queues have been reported at some European airports during passport control. Yvonne Moynihan, the UK head of budget airline Wizz Air, highlighted that the lengthy waits at passport control have caused some passengers to miss their return or connecting flights.
The Entry Exit System (EES), which mandates travelers to register fingerprints, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the worsening queues at airports. While the European Commission assured that EES is functioning effectively at most border points, reports from ACI Europe, representing airports, indicate that queues are escalating.
Under the EES requirements, travelers entering certain European countries from outside the EU must provide biometric data, which is then verified upon departure. Since October, nearly 80 million entries and exits have been recorded, with 35,000 entry refusals. The system is expected to be fully operational at Schengen zone borders, including airports, from April 10.
Despite these measures, Greece has temporarily suspended biometric checks for British citizens to prevent disruptions during the summer season. Moynihan from Wizz Air noted that the impact of the checks varied across Europe, with long queues particularly common in popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, and France.
To navigate potential delays, passengers are advised to carry essentials like a portable charger and water, as queues could also be anticipated before returning flights to the UK. While traditional advice suggests arriving two hours early, Moynihan recommends allowing three hours due to the current circumstances, especially for connecting flights.
The European Commission emphasized that delays could be caused by various factors, with biometric registration typically taking around a minute. However, recent surveys by ACI Europe revealed queues of up to three and a half hours at some airports, despite partial suspensions of EES.
As summer approaches, concerns about potential disruptions in the Middle East affecting jet fuel supply and flight cancellations have emerged. Wizz Air, like other airlines, has observed a trend of last-minute bookings, resulting in competitive pricing to stimulate demand.
While acknowledging initial challenges with the new checks, Moynihan expressed confidence in the system’s resilience but called for additional countries to suspend checks during peak travel periods. The European Commission has allowed for temporary suspensions at specific border points in cases of excessive waiting times.
Looking ahead, rising oil prices may lead to increased fares in the future, although short-term cost-saving measures are being explored by airlines. Amid uncertainties, Wizz Air assured passengers of operational stability and the absence of anticipated schedule cuts or shortages.
In a separate incident, Heathrow airport train services have been disrupted due to flooding caused by a burst water main, prompting passengers to seek alternative transportation options and allocate extra travel time.
