EU Entry/Exit System delays threaten UK summer holiday travel

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) – a biometric border‑check programme for non‑EU travellers – is facing software problems that could postpone its rollout for car passengers using the Channel Tunnel, according to Getlink chief executive Yann Leriche. The delay adds uncertainty for the estimated 2.2 million British holidaymakers travelling to the EU over the weekend, prompting calls from politicians such as Andy Burnham to ask EU leaders to suspend the system until at least September.

UK airports have also issued safety alerts ahead of the busy summer season. Gatwick warned that power banks, vapes and spare batteries must travel in hand luggage, while Manchester Airport confiscated dozens of prohibited items, urging passengers to follow Civil Aviation Authority rules. Airlines are scaling up capacity – easyJet and Jet2 announced their largest summer schedules, adding new routes and a 72‑hour flight‑status update – but advise travellers to arrive early to avoid security queues.

The combined impact of the biometric‑check rollout, luggage‑safety warnings and heightened flight demand could cause delays and inconvenience for millions of holiday travellers.