Holidaymakers Face Up to Three-Hour Delays Due to New EU Law Changes
# Chaos in Europe as Holidaymakers Stung by 3-Hour Airport Delays Over Latest EU Law Change
European airlines are reporting significant disruptions to air travel operations due to excessive delays at airports caused by a new EU law. This situation has led to holidaymakers facing waits of up to three hours in some instances, severely affecting their travel plans.
The issues stem from prolonged border checks linked to the Entry/Exit System (EES) introduced by the EU. Oliver Jankovek, director of Airports Council International Europe (ACI), emphasized the urgency for authorities to act. "Border control authorities must be able to suspend the EES entirely when waiting times become excessive. This is essential not only in the coming weeks, but throughout the peak summer travel season," Jankovek stated.
Affected passengers have reported missed flights due to these delays. Airlines have pointed out that despite the EU Commission's claims that processing a traveller takes, on average, 70 seconds, the reality is vastly different. Some flights have recorded instances where "another flight had no passengers on board when the boarding gate closed, and 90 minutes later, 12 passengers had still not arrived at the gate," according to ACI.
The situation is further exacerbated by existing challenges in air transport, particularly with the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. Jankovek warned, "Europe's reputation as an accessible and efficient tourist and business destination is at stake, especially given that air transport is already facing significant disruptions due to the current situation in the Middle East."
Reports of passengers experiencing severe distress during these delays have surfaced, with accounts of "vomiting and passing out." The frustrating scenario continues to unfold as the summer travel season progresses, leaving many holidaymakers stranded and disillusioned.