The recent implementation of the EU entry-exit system (EES) on October 12, 2021, has caused concern among travelers and industry leaders alike. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, has warned travelers to leave ample time for processing at airports, as the new system may cause delays and frustration. This raises the question: which airports and times are likely to experience the most congestion?
The root of the problem lies in the limited space and number of registration kiosks available at major airports. This, coupled with the influx of travelers from the UK who now require registration under the new system, has the potential to create bottlenecks and long queues. For example, at Palma de Mallorca in Spain, there are only 60 kiosks to process over 1,200 passengers arriving in a half-hour period. This means passengers from flights arriving at the same time will have to wait for registration, causing delays and frustration.
Similar congestion is expected at other popular airports with multiple flights from the UK, such as Faro in Portugal and Heraklion in Crete. Smaller airports may also experience strain on the system, as seen with the surge of seven UK flights landing in under two hours at Heraklion.
To avoid long wait times, travelers are advised to arrive on the earliest flights or secure seats at the front of the plane. In case of flight disruptions, lines may become even longer, as seen with the Canary Islands airport closures.
European hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris CDG are also identified as potential pain points, with a large volume of flights from long-haul destinations arriving in the early morning. Similarly, Milan Malpensa in the early afternoon is expected to have a long wait time due to multiple Middle East arrivals.
On the other hand, Luxembourg is likely to have minimal wait times due to its efficient airport and smaller aircraft, with many passengers being Schengen area citizens who are exempt from the EES check. However, it may be worth avoiding on Thursday evenings when a unique intercontinental flight arrives.
Travelers should also keep in mind that the EES check is required for departure as well, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport with extra time before your flight. The Romanian authorities have advised third-country nationals to arrive early for their scheduled international flights, especially in the context of air travel.
In conclusion, the implementation of the EU entry-exit system has the potential to cause delays and frustration for travelers. It is important to plan ahead and allow for extra time at the airport, especially during peak travel times and at popular airports. By being aware of potential congestion points and avoiding them, travelers can minimize the impact of the new system on their journey.