A new airport rule for UK tourists is expected to cause disruption for at least two years, according to recent claims. The European Union's new border system, which has already triggered hours-long delays at major airports, may not stabilise for two years.
Frontex Director Acknowledges Challenges
Uku Särekanno, a director of the EU border agency Frontex, stated that some member states are struggling to implement the new Exit and Entry System (EES). The system, which came into effect on April 10 this year, has sparked queues across the continent. Speaking at an event hosted by the UK travel association Abta, Särekanno said: "We expect that the situation will stabilise in one or two years. The most challenging part is the first enrolment, where fingerprints and facial images will be taken."
He added that returning visitors to the EU will not have to go through the same process, allowing for a faster entry. Särekanno noted that European member states are still adjusting to the new reality, with some managing well and others struggling.
Industry Concerns
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of Abta, expressed concern about the impact on summer travel. He said: "The rollout of the EU entry/exit system is creating an unhelpful, and potentially damaging, backdrop for summer travel to EU destinations. There clearly are some hotspots, and we urge destinations to use the contingency flexibility allowed under the regulation to suspend the biometric registration where queues are unacceptably long."
Shaun Morton, chief executive of the holiday operator On the Beach, highlighted the uncertainty among consumers. He noted that price-sensitive customers are already booking later due to concerns about inflation, fuel shortages, and surcharges. Morton said: "This late loop will eventually reverse when the conditions allow it. This is cyclical… where people do miss out on their holiday this year, I’m sure they will make sure they don’t miss out on it next year."
