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Ryanair has issued a warning to summer travellers regarding potential delays as a new EU border system threatens to triple passport control times.

Impact on European travel

Passengers flying into Europe this summer face significant disruptions due to the implementation of new border control protocols. The airline Ryanair cautioned that the updated security and entry systems could lead to extended waiting periods at major European airports.

The airline's leadership noted that the transition to the new system is expected to increase the time required for identity checks and processing at border gates. This delay specifically targets those travelling during the peak summer holiday season, when passenger volumes are at their highest.

Operational challenges for airlines

While the specific technical details of the system's impact vary by airport, the projected increase in processing time poses a logistical challenge for flight schedules and passenger flow. The airline has urged travellers to account for these delays when planning their journeys to avoid missing connections or scheduled departures.

Key advice for passengers includes:

• Arriving at the airport significantly earlier than standard recommendations.
• Ensuring all necessary travel documentation is prepared in advance.
• Monitoring real-time updates from airlines regarding specific terminal delays.

The move comes as European authorities continue to upgrade border infrastructure to enhance security and streamline data collection. However, the immediate operational reality for travellers involves navigating much longer queues at immigration checkpoints.