Ryanair Urges 29 EU Countries to Suspend EES Until September

Ryanair has urged 29 European countries to suspend the European Union's new Entry/Exit System for non-EU travelers, including those from the United Kingdom, until September to avoid prolonged delays during the peak summer travel season. The budget airline's call follows the system's full rollout on April 10, 2026, at airports across the Schengen area, which has led to queues of one to four hours and some passengers missing flights.

The Entry/Exit System replaces manual passport stamping with automated biometric registration for third-country nationals on short stays. Travelers must provide fingerprints and a facial scan upon first entry, creating a digital record valid for three years. Subsequent visits require only biometric verification, along with checks on accommodation, funds, insurance and return tickets. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints but still need facial scans. The system aims to track the 90-day visa-free limit and enhance border security.

Implementation issues have emerged at busy airports popular with British tourists, including Beauvais, Marseille, Nantes, Malaga, Alicante and Milan Linate. Ryanair reported wait times exceeding one to two hours due...