Wizz Air UK Boss Advises British Holidaymakers Arrive Three Hours Early for European Flights
British holidaymakers should plan to arrive at European airports three hours before their scheduled return flight, according to Yvonne Moynihan, the UK head of Wizz Air. This recommendation stems from extensive delays at passport control points across the continent, attributed to the European Union's new Entry-Exit System (EES).
Biometric Checks Cause Airport Congestion
The EES mandates non-EU travellers, including British citizens, to register biometric data upon entry and verification upon exit from many European countries. Since its October introduction, nearly 80 million entries and exits have been processed. While the European Commission maintains the system is functioning effectively at most border crossings, airport operators and airlines report a different reality.
Moynihan stated that lengthy delays are causing passengers to miss connecting and return flights, particularly at 'usual hotspots such as Spain, Portugal, France.' ACI Europe, representing the continent's airports, surveyed 45 EU airports and found EES is now causing queues of up to three and a half hours, despite 'extensive use of partial suspension of EES'. The organisation anticipates the situation will 'deteriorate further' and 'become unmanageable' as summer passenger volumes peak.
In response to anticipated disruption, Greece has already suspended biometric checks for British citizens at its borders. Moynihan called for more countries to follow suit during the peak travel period, acknowledging that some improvements have been made but stressing the system's impending test from higher summer passenger numbers.
The European Commission asserts that member states are responsible for proper EES implementation and ensuring adequate border staffing. Portugal, for instance, has announced 360 additional border officers for its airports in July following reports of extensive delays.
No Jet Fuel Shortages Expected, Fares Could Rise
Addressing wider concerns, Moynihan affirmed that Wizz Air does not anticipate jet fuel supply issues or flight cancellations, despite speculation surrounding Middle Eastern instability. She noted a trend of late bookings leading to 'very affordable prices' to stimulate demand, though future fares are likely to increase if oil prices remain elevated.
