European airports face delays as new passport control system causes disruption
Low-cost carrier Ryanair has alerted passengers to potential delays at seven airports across Europe, citing issues with the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which was fully implemented in April 2026. The airline is urging authorities to postpone the system's rollout until September, arguing that it is not functioning properly amid rising passenger numbers. This warning comes as summer travel peaks, adding pressure on airports already struggling with the new procedures.
EES system rollout faces significant hurdles
The EES was initially tested in October 2025, giving EU member states six months to prepare for full deployment. However, problems have already emerged at the following airports:
- Tenerife South
- Palma
- Alicante
- Malaga (Spain)
- Milan-Bergamo (Italy)
- Krakow (Poland)
- Paris-Beauvais (France)
The situation worsened in summer 2026 due to the holiday season, creating additional challenges for travelers and airport staff.
"As school holidays wind down and Europe enters its busiest travel period of the year, it's clear the EES system is still not ready for peak summer volumes. Passengers and their families should not be used as guinea pigs for an unfinished passport control system that risks causing long queues, missed flights, and unnecessary stress at airports this summer. It's simple: delay the EES rollout until September, as other EU countries like Greece have already done."
Neal McMahon, Ryanair's Chief Operations Officer
The EES introduces new screening procedures that require passport scanning, fingerprinting, and facial photography. Yet according to Ryanair, the current infrastructure lacks sufficient staff, kiosks, and system readiness to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic during peak season.
The ongoing delays and challenges with the new passport control system continue to raise concerns among travelers and airlines, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the EES implementation timeline. This situation highlights the critical need for thorough preparation when deploying new aviation technologies. With summer passenger volumes growing, airlines and airports face obstacles that could severely impact the travel experience. Delaying the EES rollout could give EU countries more time to adapt to the new security requirements and reduce strain on airport operations.
As airports struggle with the implementation of the new EES system, the situation has already led to significant disruptions, including instances where over 150 passengers were left behind during a recent Ryanair flight in France. This highlights the urgent need for effective solutions as travel demand surges during the summer months.