Jet2 has moved to reassure passengers after new European Union border rules caused chaos for UK holidaymakers, with some travellers reportedly missing their flights. The airline stated it is 'doing everything we can' to minimise disruption as the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) introduces stringent biometric checks.
New EES rules cause delays at airports
The EES, which requires fingerprinting and facial recognition for non-EU passport holders, has led to long queues at border control. One concerned passenger took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to ask Jet2 if bag drop could be opened earlier at Faro Airport due to lengthy security and passport queues.
Jet2 responded: 'Hi Alex, we appreciate your concerns. The EES registration should only take around 1-2 minutes per person, but may see longer wait times at Border Control. We're keeping a close eye on things and doing everything we can to minimise the impact to your journey.'
Check-in desks remain unchanged for now
The airline confirmed that check-in desks would not open earlier at present, but said customers would be contacted directly if this changes. Jet2 added: 'If you have any further questions, feel free to send us a DM.'
On its website, Jet2 explains: 'The European Union (EU) has introduced a new border immigration system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), that will affect UK and all other non-EU passport holders when travelling to most European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Spain and Greece.'
Important distinction from ETIAS
Jet2 emphasised that EES is not the same as ETIAS, a planned online visa waiver for UK travellers expected later in 2026. The airline warned: 'There may be longer wait times than usual when you arrive in destination and before your flight back to the UK. We're really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but unfortunately this is outside of our control.'
Jet2, which operates flights from Birmingham, competes with other carriers such as Ryanair, TUI, and Easyjet. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and advises passengers to arrive early at airports to allow for additional processing time.
