𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Michael O’Leary has accused the European Union of deliberately punishing British travellers for Brexit by imposing chaotic new border controls. The outspoken chief executive of Ryanair was commenting on queues of up to four hours at passport desks across Europe.

The airline, which carries more UK passengers than any other, warned that the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) — which requires non-EU travellers to register fingerprints and facial biometrics — has already caused “significant disruption” and is set to worsen dramatically during the summer holidays.

Mr O’Leary, a former Remain supporter, did not mince his words. Mr O’Leary told The Times: “EES has just been a s*** show and a shambles. There’s a bit of Brexit in this too. Here, you voted for Brexit — f***ing join the queue.”

Asked directly whether the EU was punishing Britons, Mr O’Leary replied: “Undoubtedly.”

The system, which began gradual rollout in October and is due to be fully operational by April 10, has already registered more than 45 million passengers. However, Ryanair says understaffed immigration kiosks and poor queue management — with pre-registered passengers forced into the same lines as first-timers — have created mayhem at popular destinations including Tenerife, Malta, Krakow, Malaga, Alicante, Seville and Faro.

Mr O’Leary predicted chaos once British school holidays begin in June, warning that overstretched staff at smaller southern European airports could walk out or strike. Mr O’Leary said: “It’s going to get really bad.”

He urged EU states to use a five-month deferral option and delay full implementation until October, when winter schedules are quieter. Mr O’Leary added: “The obvious solution is to move the entire process online.”

The Airports Council International has reported a “continued deterioration” in waiting times, with some border points regularly hitting two hours and others far longer at peak periods.

Ryanair expects to fly 61 million Britons to Europe this year, making the delays a major headache for the low-cost carrier and its passengers.

UK ministers acknowledged last week that the changes would cause a “significant” impact over Easter and urged travellers to allow extra time. Border security minister Alex Norris said the government was engaging with the European Commission to minimise disruption.

The European Commission insists the biometric system is essential to combat identity fraud and enhance security. It has already denied entry to more than 600 individuals flagged as potential security risks. Registration is valid for three years or until the passport expires.

Mr O’Leary’s outburst comes as holidaymakers brace for what could be one of the most frustrating summers for UK travel to Europe since Brexit. With technical glitches already plaguing the rollout, industry figures fear the combination of biometric checks and summer peaks could turn routine journeys into endurance tests.

Travel industry sources say the problems highlight deeper post-Brexit frictions, as the UK remains outside both the Schengen area and the EU’s evolving border technology.

Ryanair has called on Brussels and national governments to act swiftly before the holiday season turns the “shambles” into a full-blown crisis for millions of British families.