Passengers travelling to European airports from the UK may face being held on planes due to new border checks being implemented as a result of Brexit, according to the chief executive of easyJet.
After the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, British travellers were classified as “third-country nationals” under an agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson’s government. The European Union is set to introduce an “entry-exit system” (EES) to monitor the movements of non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area.
The EU Commission announced that the EES would launch on November 10, with further updates expected to be provided. EasyJet’s Chief Executive, Johan Lundgren, voiced concerns that one potential consequence of the EES could be airlines being unable to disembark passengers due to congested terminal buildings.
Under the EES, travellers from non-EU countries like the UK will need to undergo fingerprint scans and have their photograph taken to be registered on a database upon entering an EU member state, with the data being stored for three years. There are worries that this process could lead to long queues at EU airports and other points of entry from the UK.
Mr Lundgren highlighted the possibility of airport terminals becoming congested with passengers waiting to be processed, potentially resulting in passengers being held on planes. He emphasised the need to consider all potential scenarios and suggested delaying the EES launch unless there is an option for travellers to pre-register before their journey, which is currently being developed through a mobile app by the EU.
There are concerns within the travel industry about potential disruptions from the introduction of EES, with Neil Swanson, UK and Ireland managing director for tour operator Tui, foreseeing possible hiccups and calling for more action from the Government to prepare holidaymakers. Abta, a travel trade organisation, noted the lack of awareness among UK holidaymakers about the EES and expressed frustration over delays caused by the lack of a clear start date for the new system.
In response to these challenges, the Department for Transport allocated £10.5 million in funding for UK ports to enhance facilities and technology to manage the impact of the EES. Travel industry stakeholders are eager to receive more information about the EES and to ensure that travellers are well-informed and prepared for any potential disruptions.
As the deadline for the launch of the EES approaches, the travel sector is working towards addressing the challenges posed by the new border checks to minimise any negative impact on passengers and maintain smooth travel experiences between the UK and the EU.