Back to Headlines
Business
May 30, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

British Travelers Urged to Arrive Three Hours Early Amid EU Entry‑Exit System Delays

AI Summary
Wizz Air chief Yvonne Moynihan advises UK passengers flying home via EU airports to allow three hours before departure as the new EU Entry‑Exit System creates queues of up to 3.5 hours. ACI Europe’s recent survey confirms the slowdown, prompting airlines and travelers to adjust their routines until the system stabilises.

Wizz Air Chief Calls for a Three‑Hour Airport Arrival Window

Yvonne Moynihan, boss of Wizz Air, told the BBC that passengers returning to the UK via EU airports should plan to be at the terminal three hours before departure, citing extended queues caused by the new EU Entry‑Exit System (EES).

EU Entry‑Exit System Triggers Queue Times Up to 3.5 Hours

The digital registration, fully operational since April 2026, replaces passport stamps with biometric checks. ACI Europe’s survey of 45 airports in 20 EU states on 26 May reported peak‑time queues of up to 3.5 hours at hotspots such as Spain, Portugal and France.

  • Implementation began October 2025; full rollout completed April 2026.
  • Typical registration takes about 1 minute, but ancillary checks extend wait times.
  • French police temporarily halted checks at Dover amid heat‑driven delays.

Operational Strain on Airlines and Airports

Airlines are advising passengers to bring portable chargers and water, and to allow extra time between connections. ACI Europe warned that “the situation is deteriorating,” with previously smooth airports now reporting excessive waiting.

Potential Policy Adjustments and Passenger Strategies

The European Commission noted that EES is not the sole cause of delays and highlighted the Article 9 clause that permits temporary suspension of checks, as seen at Dover. Travelers may need to factor in longer ground times until procedural bottlenecks are resolved.

Outlook: Longer Airport Lead Times Likely to Persist

Analysts expect the three‑hour recommendation to become standard practice for UK‑bound flights via the EU for the foreseeable future, unless the EU streamlines biometric processing or expands staffing at key kiosks.