David Newton and his family arrived three hours before their flight. They expected a smooth process but ended up stranded for nearly half a day in the departures area. They missed their flight after spending over five hours in queues for the EES checks.

Passengers are now required to provide fingerprints and a facial photo as part of EU regulations for non-EU nationals. David described the situation as “mayhem,” with thousands of travelers queuing at passport control.

Only around a third of the 15 booths were manned, which contributed to the lengthy delays. Furthermore, EES kiosks at major hubs in France are currently not operational due to technical issues.

Greek authorities have suspended biometric checks for British nationals amid increasing queues. ACI Europe has warned that travelers could face delays of up to three hours during peak travel periods.

Manual processing took about five minutes per person, exacerbating the situation. Several European countries have temporarily halted EES checks at airports because of long waiting times.

The European Commission stated that the EES system has been functioning well in most member states since its launch. However, officials have not confirmed how long the technical issues affecting kiosks will last.

David expressed frustration, saying, “It was shocking. I’ve never missed a flight in my life.” He added that he would likely choose to drive in the future due to the hassle involved with current travel processes.

The commission noted that suspension of biometric collection is permissible for limited periods under exceptional circumstances that could cause long waiting times.

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Previously, Ryanair’s travel policies allowed expectant mothers to fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy without needing a ‘fit to fly’ letter. However, recent updates have introduced additional documentation requirements for certain passengers traveling with Ryanair and Jet2.

New Documentation Requirements

As of March 9, 2026, passengers traveling with Ryanair and Jet2 will need to present an additional document to board their flights. This change reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring the safety and health of pregnant travelers.

Specific Guidelines for Pregnant Travelers

Under the updated policies, Ryanair permits travel up to 28 weeks of pregnancy without a ‘fit to fly’ letter, but requires this letter for travel beyond that point. Notably, travel is not allowed beyond the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for twin or triplet pregnancies.

Jet2 has similar regulations, allowing travel until the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies, but requiring a doctor’s certificate confirming the stage of pregnancy after the end of the 27th week. This certificate must be dated within 7 days of the outbound flight and 16 days of the inbound flight.

Comparative Policies

EasyJet also permits travel until the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. This alignment among airlines highlights a trend towards stricter regulations for expectant mothers.

Expert Opinions

Ryanair has advised, “If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.” This underscores the importance of health considerations in air travel.

Jet2 has stated, “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies.” This statement reflects a cautious approach to air travel for pregnant women.

Regulatory Challenges

In addition to these policy changes, Ryanair and Ryanair Sun are currently challenging the European Commission’s approval of German state aid for Condor, which may impact the competitive landscape in the airline industry.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the outcomes of this legal challenge, but it illustrates the ongoing complexities within the aviation sector.

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Ursula von der Leyen, the first female President of the European Commission, has become a pivotal figure in shaping EU policies and responses to current global challenges. Her leadership is particularly relevant today as Europe grapples with issues such as climate change, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions.

Key Initiatives and Policies

Since taking office in December 2019, von der Leyen has spearheaded several significant initiatives that reflect her commitment to a green and digital Europe. One of her most notable policies is the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Under her guidance, the EU is investing heavily in renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to combat climate change.

Additionally, von der Leyen has played a crucial role in the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She led efforts to secure vaccine supplies for EU member states and initiated the EU Recovery Fund, a historic financial instrument designed to support the economic recovery of member states hit hardest by the pandemic.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, von der Leyen faces numerous challenges in her tenure. The ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked a humanitarian crisis and elevated energy prices across Europe, complicating recovery efforts. Moreover, internal divisions among member states regarding immigration policies and economic disparities pose significant hurdles for cohesive EU governance.

Conclusion

Ursula von der Leyen’s presidency is a crucial chapter in the European Union’s evolving narrative. As she continues to navigate complex issues both within Europe and globally, her leadership style and decision-making processes will likely shape the future trajectory of the EU. Observers predict that her successes and setbacks will significantly influence public perception of the European Commission and the EU’s ability to respond to contemporary challenges.

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