Dozens of Ryanair passengers found themselves stranded in Athens after missing their flight to London Luton due to extensive border check delays. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by travellers as new post-Brexit border control measures are implemented across Europe, particularly the EU Entry-Exit System (EES), which requires biometric data from passengers entering the Schengen Area.
The delays at Athens International Airport, described as ‘mega-queues’, reflect a broader trend affecting airports in several countries, including Spain and Portugal. As these new procedures are rolled out, passengers are experiencing longer processing times, leading to missed flights and heightened frustration. Reports indicate that some passengers were left pleading with staff to be allowed on board, only to be told that the flight could not wait.
This situation raises concerns about the future of travel for UK citizens, particularly as the Greek government had previously suggested that Brits would not face these biometric checks this summer. The lack of clarity on exemptions could lead to further confusion and delays, impacting holiday plans and travel routines.
As airlines advise passengers to arrive three hours early for flights, the travel landscape is shifting. With Ryanair’s CEO stating that the airline will not wait for passengers caught in queues, travellers must adapt to these new realities or risk being left behind. This incident serves as a warning for those planning to travel in the coming months, as the implications of post-Brexit regulations continue to unfold.
Source: LBC News
