Videos shared on social media over the past week show long queues at passport control at Geneva Airport. Some travelers say they waited up to three hours to clear border checks.
Geneva Airport often gets crowded during winter. Ski season brings thousands of visitors, including many from the UK. This year, however, delays have grown worse.
Airport officials say a new EU border system has increased congestion at passport control.
New EU Entry Exit System Causes Delays
Geneva Airport has blamed the EU Entry Exit System, known as EES, for the slow movement of passengers. Officials say congestion is most common on Saturdays, which are the busiest travel days during ski season.
A spokesperson said the rollout of EES has created serious challenges for Swiss customs and airport staff. The new system requires biometric checks, which take more time per passenger.
To ease pressure, the airport has increased staff numbers. Even so, long queues continue during peak hours.
Tenerife Also Sees Long Waiting Times
Similar delays have appeared at Tenerife Airport in the Canary Islands. The island remains a top winter sun destination for British travelers.
Andrew Knight, who runs Sanasty Car Hire at Tenerife Airport, says many arriving passengers struggle with long waits at border kiosks. Most of his customers come from the UK and arrive during busy flight schedules.
Delays Depend on Arrival Times
Passengers who land during quieter hours often pass through passport control quickly. Some clear checks in about 20 minutes.
Problems start when several flights arrive close together. During these periods, queues grow fast. Some travelers wait up to two hours before reaching the kiosks.
Knight says the system works unevenly. At times, technical issues shut it down completely. When that happens, delays increase and frustration grows.
Peak Travel Still a Concern
Airport operators warn that long queues could continue during busy travel seasons. Until systems improve, passengers may face delays at major European airports.
Authorities say flexibility remains an option. Border staff can pause the new system during peak times if queues become unmanageable.
