THE APEX TIMES
EU border system changes are expected to triple passport-control waits this summer, Ryanair warns
The airline says a new approach at EU border crossings could lengthen screening lines, urging travelers to plan for delays during peak travel.
EU border procedures being rolled out this summer are expected to significantly slow passport control processing, an airport and airline executive warned, with Ryanair telling passengers they may face much longer waits when traveling within Europe.
In remarks highlighted by BBC World on July 19, an airport boss said the time required at passport control could be around three times what travelers experience under current conditions. The concern centers on processing capacity at border checkpoints during peak summer demand, when large volumes of passengers arrive in short windows.
Ryanair said it has warned travelers heading to Europe to prepare for extended lines and delays, directing attention to the practical impact of the new border system on day-to-day airport operations. The airline framed the issue as a scheduling and planning problem for passengers rather than a matter of individual airline handling.
The warnings come at a time when governments across Europe are managing competing pressures at border sites, including the need to maintain security screening while also keeping processing times manageable for travelers. Airport operators, airlines, and border agencies typically have to balance these requirements, especially during the busiest travel months.
Ryanair’s message to passengers adds to the operational stakes for European travel this summer, because longer processing times can ripple outward into check-in schedules, boarding timelines, and how quickly travelers reach onward transportation. Even when security standards remain in place, the throughput of passport control is a direct factor in how quickly airports can move crowds.
The BBC report did not provide a country-by-country breakdown in the brief published online, nor did it list specific airports or exact minutes expected at each checkpoint. Travelers and airport staff are therefore likely to see uneven effects depending on local staffing, terminal layouts, and the volume of arrivals during particular hours.
What happens next will depend on how quickly authorities and airports adapt to the border system changes, including any adjustments to staffing and passenger routing at passport-control areas. For travelers, the immediate takeaway from the airline warning is to build additional time into airport arrival plans during the summer travel peak.
Why It Matters
- Longer passport-control waits can affect public movement through airports, increasing crowding and missed connections during peak travel periods.
- Delays at border checkpoints can create downstream operational pressure for airlines and airport schedules.
- Passenger planning is directly impacted during the summer travel season, when margins for timing are typically tighter.
- Border processing throughput is a key element in how effectively European airports manage security while maintaining orderly flows.
Key Facts
- An airport boss said a new EU border system is expected to triple time spent at passport control.
- Ryanair warned passengers traveling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.
- The concerns relate to passport-control screening during peak summer travel.
- The BBC World report was published on July 19, 2026.