Brits hit by airport gridlock in Spain during bank holiday exodus – Could Europe switch off EES machines this summer?

The new entry-exit processing system at Malaga Airport caused major bottlenecks during the first weekend of May Bank Holiday. Palma Airport also had similar issues. a Sky News presenter Her sister spent over two hours just to get to the border control after landing. Non-EU travellers who enter the Schengen region now experience delays up to three hours in various Spanish airports.

The Spanish position has not changed despite increased pressure

Even with obvious operational challenges, the Spanish authorities maintain the entry-exit systems at full capacity. European Commission guidelines now allow for brief pauses when queues get too long at specific border locations. Spain does not have any immediate plans to follow other European countries’ earlier modifications.

I just spent 2.45 hrs in a queue at Lisbon Airport 🇵🇹cos the EES system ain’t working. These ads everywhere. F**k me 🤯 pic.twitter.com/YDekxTJ0to

— PΞΛK 🇬🇧🇻🇪🇧🇷 (@PeakNames) May 20, 2026

Airline voices raise concerns over peak-season readiness

Major carriers had previously raised staff shortages and kiosk restrictions across the continent. Budget operators have warned about the possibility of missed flights and long passport lines, if current patterns are continued into busy months. Travel industry representatives emphasize the need for solutions that will maintain passenger satisfaction in high-volume periods.

Dover’s experience shows that temporary fixes can be made

French officials stopped extra border checks at Dover, Saturday May 23 after tourists faced long lines in high temperatures. The processing speed improved after the extra measures were removed, but standard checks continued to be in place. By mid-afternoon, traffic had returned to normal before the additional measures were implemented. Cross-Channel operators reported similar delays on train and ferry routes.

After French authorities lifted extra EU border controls earlier today, the Port of Dover has reported that traffic is “free-flowing”.

Queues remain in the check-in area and the approach lanes for ferry operators, the port says, but it is an improvement on earlier in the day when waiting… pic.twitter.com/jpJ4fdogwe

— Mad Max00 (@MadMax001993027) May 23, 2026

Summer travel outlook raises questions about manual checks

The European Commission confirmed that the system includes provisions for limited stops at specific crossings when there are exceptional delays. No blanket exemptions are included in the framework for long periods or nationalities. The focus now shifts to whether airports deactivate all biometric equipment and return to traditional passport stamping when summer volume reaches its peak. Spain adheres to the rules while watching how other countries handle the escalating demands. UK tourists will be particularly concerned about border operations in the weeks leading up to peak season.

Malaga Airport’s passport control is a disgrace.! #Malaga #MalagaAirport

— Johnny Mac (@JMacDizzle1980) May 22, 2026