Eu border controls disrupt travel ahead of easter break

Travelers bracing for a relaxing Easter getaway are instead facing a nightmare at European airports due to the introduction of new border control systems.

New biometric passport checks cause long delays

As of Monday, March 30, passengers are enduring waits of over two hours in passport control lines, with some even risking missing their flights. The traditional two-hour arrival window at airports is no longer a guarantee of success.

The root of the problem lies in the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which Brussels has decided to modernize by replacing the fast and efficient physical stamping of passports with a more exhaustive digital biometric registration process. The lengthy new checks are causing congestion in terminals, with the situation expected to worsen before it improves.

Compounding the issue is a strike by ground staff at 12 Spanish airports operated by Groundforce, which began today and is set to continue indefinitely. These essential workers handle tasks such as aircraft assistance, passenger transport, and baggage check-in and collection – all critical to a smooth passenger experience.

Strike action will occur in three daily blocks: 5:00-7:00 am, affecting early morning flights; 11:00 am-5:00 pm, the busiest period; and 10:00 pm-12:00 am. Travelers are advised to avoid these times to minimize disruption.