Airports warn of Easter delays as new EU rules come into effect

Airports warn of hours-long queues over Easter as Europe's new Entry/Exit rules come into effect

Airports across Europe are alerting travelers to expect significant delays during the Easter holiday period due to the implementation of new Entry/Exit rules. These regulations aim to enhance border control and tracking of non-EU travelers. The changes are expected to lead to extended waiting times at immigration checkpoints.

What happened

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on April 1, 2023, affecting all non-EU citizens entering or exiting the Schengen Area. This system requires biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial recognition, from travelers. Airports in major cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam have reported that the increased processing time could lead to queues lasting several hours.

Why this is gaining attention

The Easter holiday is one of the busiest travel periods in Europe, with millions of people expected to travel for vacations and family gatherings. The combination of high passenger volumes and the introduction of new border control measures has raised concerns among travelers and airport officials alike. Many are urging passengers to arrive earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays.

What it means

The implementation of the EES is part of a broader effort by European authorities to improve security and manage migration more effectively. However, the immediate impact on travel efficiency is causing frustration among passengers and may affect overall travel plans during a peak season. Authorities are advising travelers to remain informed about their flight schedules and potential wait times.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: New Entry/Exit rules are causing expected delays at airports across Europe during Easter.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The Easter holiday sees increased travel, amplifying the effects of longer processing times at immigration.