The summer travel season is upon us, and for British travellers, it's shaping up to be a chaotic one. With the introduction of the EU's new entry-exit system (EES), passengers are facing the prospect of lengthy queues and missed flights. This is particularly concerning given the recent delays and disruptions caused by the EES in European countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has warned that the EES is a 'hard risk' for long waiting times and missed flights. Rafael Schvartzman, Iata's vice-president for Europe, has called out the EU's handling of the situation, stating that instead of delivering practical reform, aviation is being treated as a political football. He has urged European states to ensure that borders are manned sufficiently, flight schedules are known well in advance, and electronic kiosks and gates are operational.
Schvartzman's advice to passengers is simple: allow much more time at the airport than you might usually. Until EES is working smoothly, arriving two to three hours before departures and getting airside as quickly as possible is a prudent approach. This is especially relevant for British travellers, who are being advised to arrive at European airports three hours before their flight home.
However, this advice is not without its limitations. Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, has pointed out that lengthy delays at passport control due to EES have caused some passengers to miss return or connecting flights. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive solution to the EES's issues.
The EES's introduction has raised a deeper question: how can we balance the need for border security with the need for efficient and smooth travel? The answer lies in a more integrated and coordinated approach to border management, one that takes into account the needs of both travellers and airlines. Until then, travellers will have to navigate the challenges of the EES, hoping for the best and planning for the worst.
In my opinion, the EES is a prime example of how political decisions can have far-reaching consequences for everyday travellers. It is a reminder that the travel industry is not immune to the vagaries of politics, and that we must be prepared for the challenges that arise. As we head into the summer travel season, let's hope that the EES issues are resolved swiftly and efficiently, so that we can all enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.
