Ryanair Chief Brands EU Border System Rollout a ‘Shambles’

Ryanair has lambasted the European Union's Entry/Exit System following the recent expiry of temporary measures that allowed border authorities to suspend biometric checks during periods of extreme congestion. The airline expressed concern that passengers may once again experience lengthy delays unless airports and border agencies are granted more time to rectify technical issues and address staffing shortages.

The EES applies to short-stay visitors hailing from outside the EU, encompassing the majority of British travelers entering the 29-nation Schengen Area. Upon crossing an external border, passengers are required to register personal information, fingerprints, and a facial image. The system, introduced incrementally from October 2025, became fully functional across the Schengen Area on April 10.

A temporary flexibility period enabled individual countries to lessen or discontinue certain checks when queues became overwhelming. This arrangement concluded on September 6. Travelers have complained about lengthy waits at airports in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and other popular tourist destinations. Some have missed flights and connections due to malfunctioning kiosks, insufficient border staff, and inconsistent procedures.

Over 100 passengers reportedly missed an easyJet flight from Milan Linate to Manchester in April. Dover declared a critical incident during the May half-term holiday, as motorists faced waits of up to four-and-a-half hours. Ryanair's Chief Operating Officer, Neal McMahon, described the EU's management of the system as a "shambles," asserting that airlines, airports, and border authorities had previously warned that many crossing points were not fully equipped.

The airline is requesting the European Commission to reinstate the flexibility and extend it until at least April 2027, providing authorities more time to implement functioning technology, improve passenger information, and recruit additional staff. The European Commission stated it remains in close communication with the few member states that require further operational adjustments, offering extra staff and practical assistance to resolve lingering difficulties.

Most British air passengers complete the EES registration upon arrival in their European destination, with checks conducted before departure at Dover, Eurotunnel's Folkestone terminal, and London St Pancras due to French border controls at those locations. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for border formalities, particularly when utilizing the system for the first time. Repeat journeys should generally be quicker, as biometric details will already be registered.