Wizz Air has advised passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, warning that the introduction of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has led to longer waiting times at border control points in countries including Spain, Portugal and France, according to The Daily Star.

The EES replaces traditional passport stamping with a digital registration process that records biometric data from non-EU travellers upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area. Although the system has been gradually introduced over recent months, it became fully operational only recently, and airports are still adapting to the new procedures.

According to Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate and ESG Officer, Yvonne Moynihan, many travellers have experienced longer-than-expected queues due to additional passport checks required under the new system.

“Normally, passengers are advised to arrive two hours before their flight,” she explained. “However, under the current circumstances, we recommend arriving three hours early to allow enough time for the extra border procedures.”

The impact has varied across Europe. While some airports have managed the transition smoothly, others have experienced significant congestion, particularly at destinations that traditionally see high passenger volumes during the summer season.

Recent delays have already affected travellers at several major transport hubs. Last week, French authorities temporarily suspended EES checks at the Port of Dover after thousands of passengers were left waiting in lengthy queues during exceptionally busy periods, according to the Mirror.

Airports Association, ACI Europe, has also reported increasing concerns. A survey of 45 airports in 20 EU countries found that waiting times during peak periods reached up to 3.5 hours at some locations.

Moynihan also advised passengers to prepare for possible delays upon arrival at their destination, recommending that travellers carry water and portable phone chargers, and to allow additional time when making connecting flights.

Although the European Commission has acknowledged reports of longer queues, it maintains that the EES itself is not always the sole cause of delays, noting that the biometric registration process can take as little as a minute when operating efficiently.

As airports continue adjusting to the new system, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys throughout the busy summer travel season.