Anyone planning on jet setting away in search of some sun this summer, should be wary as an organisation which represents major UK airlines has said that British holiday-markers are facing lengthy queues at some European destinations.
Airlines for Europe, whose members include the two biggest operators at East Midlands Airport, Jet2.com and Ryanair, said that holidaymakers are being forced to stand in immigration lines for "up to four hours" when they arrive at their destination. The group has even claimed that some passengers are missing their flights because of the issues.
New rules have been introduced in the wake of terror attacks in Paris, Brussels and Nice for countries to carry out more stringent checks on travellers entering the Shengen area. The area is made up of 26 EU states, which have officially abolished passports and all other forms of border control.
The change means the details of passengers from non-Schengen countries, such as the UK, are run through databases to alert authorities if they are known to pose a threat.
But, according to the organisation, this is causing hours of misery for passengers. Airlines for Europe managing director Thomas Reynaert said: "Travellers face long lines and can’t get on their flights. Queuing for up to four hours has been the top record these days.
"Airports like Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Lyon, Paris-Orly, Milan or Brussels are producing shameful pictures of devastated passengers in front of immigration booths, in lines stretching hundreds of metres. At some airports, flight delays have increased by 300 per cent compared to last year."
A4E warned that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks as the new regulations have not yet been fully implemented. The six-month period to put the enhanced checks in place ends on October 7.
Mr Reynaert has now urged the countries affected to "deploy appropriate staff and resources" to carry out the checks. He said: "Member states need to take all necessary measures now to prevent such disruptions."
A spokeswoman for travel trade organisation Abta said: "New, stricter passport checks are resulting in longer queues at some airports, including Palma, which is already busy due to a significant increase in passenger numbers.
"Tour operators will ensure that customers get to the airport in plenty of time so that they are not in danger of missing their flights. However, independent travellers will need to check the situation with their airlines and, where necessary, ensure they factor these longer queuing times into their travel plans when flying in and out of the airport. It is also extremely important that border control check points are sufficiently resourced so that queuing times are kept to a minimum."
