IATA warns British travelers of six‑hour EU queue delays

British travelers heading to Europe this summer are being warned to prepare for airport queues that could last up to six hours, according to a major airline industry warning. The delays are attributed to the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border management platform that became fully operational in April.

Rafael Schvartzman, Vice-President for Europe at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), issued the stark warning, stating there is a "very hard risk of really challenging waiting times." He cited expectations of queues lasting three to six hours, which he described as unacceptable. The system, which applies to travelers from non-EU countries including the United Kingdom, requires the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images upon first entry into the Schengen Area.

Industry officials report that the additional checks have already caused significant disruptions, with passengers missing flights and onward connections at several European airports. Specific incidents include 150 Ryanair passengers missing a flight from Toulouse to the UK on May 30 and 100 easyJet passengers unable to board a flight from Milan to...