Ryanair may no longer serve a popular European destination after new checks at its airport. Malta has recently implemented the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) at its airport. The new system requires biometric checks and it can lead to large queues at the airport. Some passengers have been left stranded on the tarmac for as long as 20 minutes due to queues at security.

David O’Brien, one of Ryanair’s executive officers and the CEO of Malta Air, said: “If we find ourselves with significant congestion and delay, we’d have to redirect capacity away from Malta to other destinations and that’s not something we’d like to do.” The Times of Malta reports that David has since written to Malta’s Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri to ensure border controls are fully staffed for this summer.

With the busy summer season just around the corner, this year’s visit to Europe could look very different for some travellers.

It is not only Malta which has introduced the new EES system with other European holiday hotspots also adopting the new rules.

The problem affects all non-EU travellers, with passengers from the UK - Malta's biggest market - bearing the brunt of the disruption.

“Europe is utterly unprepared in a general sense. We hope Malta is prepared. We haven't reached summer peak yet,” Mr O'Brien warned.

Last year, Ryanair carried more than half of total passengers to Malta and of those travelling to the country – with the UK being the biggest market.

To try and reduce the delays, Malta Airport has introduced new measures such as a specific Schengen corridor, as well as increasing the amount of immigration desks.

The airport has also transferred more airport staff to be working on the new system, reports The Sun.

David Curmi, executive chairman of national carrier KM Malta, also voiced his concerns to the Times of Malta over mounting delays.

"We are unable to wait for passengers to board our aircraft. Passenger compensation regulations state that we have to compensate all passengers, including those who arrive late because of this system," he said.

Both aviation chiefs have called for the system to be suspended to prevent delays and passengers missing their flights during the peak summer period, reports The Mirror.

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport told The Times of Malta: “We are working hand in hand with the Malta Police Force to make sure we can do everything possible to support them in this important initiative.

“It is what it is. We need to find ways to improve the processing time over the summer period.”

Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, said: “The exemption of British passport holders from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points, effective from 10 April 2026, is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports.

“UK travellers will no longer need to undergo additional EES biometric procedures, ensuring a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece.“

Express.co.uk has contacted Ryanair for comment.