Ryanair has urged the Spanish government to suspend implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) until September to prevent long passport control queues at Spanish airports during the summer peak season.
The low-cost carrier, Europe’s largest by passenger volume, made the request on April 30, citing risks to travelers including families with young children who could face extended delays. Ryanair argues that Spanish authorities knew for over three years that the biometric EES would go live on April 10, 2026, yet failed to ensure adequate staffing, technical readiness, or sufficient kioscos to handle peak summer traffic.
According to Ryanair, passengers are already experiencing hours-long waits and missed flights at Spanish airports. The airline has written to transport ministers across the 29 Schengen countries implementing EES, including Spain’s Fernando Grande-Marlaska, calling for an immediate postponement.
Ryanair points to Greece as a precedent, where the government has delayed EES until September to avoid summer disruptions. The carrier references EU Regulation 2025/1534, which it says allows for such suspensions to ensure smooth airport operations.
Ryanair executive McMahon stated that suspending EES until the high season subsides would provide a fluid experience for vacationers.