A group of Ryanair passengers found themselves stranded in Athens after their flight to London Luton departed without them. Between 20 and 50 holidaymakers were left behind due to significant delays at border control, attributed to the new EU Entry/Exit System. This system has introduced additional processing requirements for non-Schengen travellers, leading to long queues and frustration among passengers.
Witnesses reported scenes of distress as individuals pleaded with airline staff for assistance, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. Airport officials confirmed that congestion at passport control was exacerbated by heavy passenger numbers, which has been a growing issue as new border-control procedures are implemented across Europe.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many expressing their anger over the airline’s handling of the situation. Ryanair stated that the delays were beyond their control, but the chaos raises questions about the effectiveness of the new border measures and their impact on travel.
As British passport holders now face the same Entry/Exit System as other non-EU visitors, the implications for future travel could be significant. With Greece reversing its earlier promise to exempt British travellers from biometric checks, holidaymakers may need to prepare for longer wait times and potential disruptions in their travel plans.
Source: GB News
