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Spain airport queues warning: Ryanair calls for summer delay to new border system — what it means for Benidorm travellers

 

Madrid / 3 May 2026

 

Airports across Spain are facing growing pressure just weeks into the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), with Ryanair urging authorities to pause full implementation until after the summer peak.

 

The airline has warned that the new biometric passport controls could lead to significant delays at major tourist gateways, including Alicante–Elche Airport — the main arrival hub for millions of visitors heading to Benidorm and the wider Costa Blanca.

 

What’s changing at Spanish airports?

The EES system, introduced across the Schengen Area in April 2026, replaces manual passport stamping with a digital registration process for non-EU travellers.

 

Passengers — including UK holidaymakers — may now need to:

• Scan passports at self-service kiosks
• Provide biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints
• Register entry and exit electronically

 

The system is designed to improve border security and track overstays, but early feedback suggests processing times are longer, especially during busy periods.

 

Why Ryanair is raising concerns

Ryanair has called for a temporary suspension of the system until September, arguing that:

• Airports are not fully prepared for peak summer demand
• Staffing and infrastructure remain under pressure
• Some passengers are already experiencing long queues and missing flights

 

Spanish travel industry sources have echoed concerns that the system could struggle during peak summer traffic.

 

Why British travellers are most affected

Since Brexit, UK travellers are treated as non-EU passengers, meaning they must go through full border checks.

 

For destinations like Benidorm, this creates additional pressure:

• High passenger volumes
• Concentrated arrival times
• Additional biometric checks

 

Airports such as Málaga Airport and Palma de Mallorca Airport are also expected to see increased congestion.

 

Benidorm and Costa Blanca impact

For travellers heading to Benidorm via Alicante–Elche Airport:

• Allow extra time for passport control
• Expect possible delays on arrival and departure
• Plan transfers with flexibility

 

Local tourism operators are monitoring the situation closely, as delays at Alicante can quickly impact hotel arrivals and transport services across the Costa Blanca.

 

What happens next?

There is currently no confirmation of a delay to the EES rollout. However, pressure from airlines and the travel sector is increasing as Spain prepares for the summer season.

 

Adjustments to staffing and airport processes may still be introduced in the coming weeks.