Southampton Airport travelers heading to popular European destinations this summer may face six-hour queues at passport control, airline officials warned today, as the EU’s new Entry and Exit System (EES) takes full effect. The system requires non-EU travelers to submit biometric data—fingerprints and facial scans—before entering the Schengen Zone, a process that has already triggered delays at high-traffic airports.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s vice-president for Europe, told delegates at the organization’s annual meeting in Istanbul that the system’s inconsistent implementation is the root of the problem. Some airports lack the necessary kiosks, while others are understaffed or operating with outdated technology. Schvartzman described the situation as a "hard risk" of cascading delays, with travelers in Lisbon, Lanzarote, Alicante, and Mallorca already reporting wait times of three to six hours. "We’re seeing cases where families have missed flights entirely," he said. "The infrastructure isn’t ready, and the human cost is real."
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive at least four hours before departure when flying to high-traffic EU airports this summer. Opt for early morning flights to avoid peak processing times, and ensure your passport and travel documents are scanned and properly registered in the EES system at least 72 hours before travel.
The warnings come as Southampton Airport prepares for a surge in summer travelers, with flights to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and Portugal’s Algarve region expected to see the highest congestion. A spokesperson for Southampton Airport confirmed they are working with airlines and border authorities to mitigate delays but warned that passengers "should plan for extended processing times."
| Airport | Current Wait Times | Peak Summer Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Faro, Portugal | 3-4 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Alicante, Spain | 2-3 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Lisbon, Portugal | 3-5 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Mallorca, Spain | 4-5 hours | 5-6 hours |
Passengers flying from Southampton to destinations like Lanzarote and Alicante are particularly vulnerable, as these routes rely heavily on short-haul carriers operating tight schedules. Industry analysts warn that even minor delays—such as a single passenger requiring extra verification—can ripple through a day’s flight operations, leading to missed connections and costly rebookings.
Key Points
- ✅ EES checks add up to 90 seconds per passenger, tripling previous processing times
- ⚡ Airports in Lisbon, Mallorca, and Alicante are the worst affected
- 💡 Southampton-bound travelers should arrive four hours early for summer flights
Critics of the EES system argue that the EU rushed implementation without ensuring adequate staffing or infrastructure. The European Commission has defended the rollout, stating that the system is designed to enhance security and streamline border crossings over time. However, with the peak summer travel season just weeks away, the warnings from IATA suggest that the transition period will be far from smooth.
📋 By The Numbers
- 20-25 seconds — Average passport control processing time pre-EES
- 72 hours — Minimum recommended time to register biometric data before travel
For Southampton Airport passengers, the advice is clear: prepare for delays, verify your EES registration, and consider flexible rebooking options. The alternative—showing up to find a six-hour queue—could mean the difference between a holiday and a travel disaster.
- Check your EES status — Ensure your passport is registered in the system at least 72 hours before departure.
- Arrive early — Budget for four hours at EU airports this summer, especially for flights between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Monitor updates — Airlines and airports are issuing real-time alerts; sign up for notifications.
The EU has pledged to add more kiosks and staff by August, but for travelers this summer, the damage may already be done. The question now is not whether delays will happen, but how bad they will get—and how many holiday plans will be derailed as a result.