UK Travellers Advised to Arrive Three Hours Early at EU Airports to Avoid Delays British travelers returning home via European airports are advised to arrive three hours before departure due to delays linked to new security procedures. This recommendation comes after the full implementation of the EU’s digital entry-exit system (EES) last month, which has caused significant queues at border checks. Non-EU citizens face biometric scans under the EES, contributing to fragmented experiences across the bloc. Wizz Air CEO Yvonne Moynihan, speaking to the BBC, emphasized the advisory, noting that passport checks under the EES have led to unexpected delays. While some airports, like those in Mallorca, handled the changes smoothly with added staff and kiosks, “hotspots” such as Spain, Portugal, and France reported queues stretching up to 3.5 hours during peak times.ACI Europe, representing 45 EU airports, confirmed deteriorating conditions, citing a mid-May survey. Temporary suspensions of EES checks, such as at Dover’s port by French authorities, highlighted the strain, with officials describing the situation as “challenging.” The European Commission acknowledged EES-related delays but noted registration typically takes one minute. Travelers are urged to pack portable chargers, stay hydrated, and allow extra time for connections. Wizz Air also advised passengers to anticipate longer wait times, even in regions where EES operations appear stable.