Travel Chaos Looms as Millions Embark on Summer Getaways Amid Border System Glitches

A new Entry Exit System (EES) now mandates individuals from third-party countries, including the UK, to register fingerprints and provide a photograph upon entering the Schengen Area.

This system has been technically in full force since April. Border police have relaxed requirements during periods of extreme delays, acknowledging its immediate impact.

Technical problems with equipment provided to France mean automated booths at its borders currently do not function. This exacerbates potential bottlenecks and slows processing times.

P&O Ferries reports an approximate 60-minute processing time from arrival to loading lanes at Calais Port.

In a recent incident at Milan Linate Airport, aircraft waited an extra hour on the tarmac before pushing back. Passengers were stranded, and operations fell into disarray.

Airline operational limits mean planes cannot hold at the gate indefinitely. Such delays jeopardize take-off slots or cause flight crews to exceed legal duty hours, creating a cascade of cancellations.

easyJet indicated that easyJet urges the EU to extend flexibility to suspend the EES until the end of October. They highlight ongoing concerns about its viability and impact.

Gatwick Airport expects Sunday to be its busiest day, with approximately 900 flights scheduled. This adds immense pressure to an already strained system.

Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Malaga airports also anticipate high numbers of arrivals. This further stresses European travel infrastructure and passenger patience.

easyJet confirms it will rebook affected customers onto a subsequent flight at no extra charge if they miss their departure due to passport control backlogs.

However, easyJet urges the EU to extend flexibility to suspend the EES until the end of October. They highlight ongoing concerns about its viability and impact.

Some destinations, including popular Greek islands, have adapted well to the updated border clearance procedures. They maintain smooth passenger traffic despite the new rules.

Greece indicates it will not impose additional biometric checks on UK nationals. This offers a contrasting and more flexible approach to EES implementation that other nations might emulate.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with EU commissioners and her French counterpart on July 23, 2026. She specifically raised concerns about the EES and its disruptive potential.

Adding to the travel complexities, temperatures could reach 30C in parts of south-east England on Friday. Outbreaks of rain are expected to move southwards on Saturday, further complicating travel plans.

Planned engineering works will also affect Southeastern trains at Charing Cross and Waterloo East from July 26 to August 16. This further impacts domestic travel options and forces more travelers onto already congested roads and airports.