Why Malaga Airport's New EES System is Causing Chaos for Ryanair Passengers

December 31, 2025 at 08:47 AM•3 min read

Ryanair issued an alert to customers after Malaga airport passenger delays and missed flights were caused by the new EES entry and exit system for non-Schengen travelers.

Key Points

1Two-hour-plus queues were reported at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) for non-Schengen passengers during the Christmas travel period.
2The delays were caused by the new EES (Entry/Exit System) rollout, specifically due to malfunctioning kiosks and insufficient staffing by the Spanish National Police.
3Ryanair issued an urgent advisory, recommending customers arrive at Spanish airports at least three hours before departure to avoid missing flights.
4The EES system, which began gradual deployment in October 2025, digitally records biometric data for third-country nationals, including Irish and British travelers.

Holidaymakers returning from Spain faced massive delays this Christmas. The chaos centered on Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). Passengers were attempting to depart following their festive breaks. The disruption affected travelers heading outside the Schengen Area. This includes many Irish and British citizens.

EES System Causes Chaos

The core issue is the new EES entry and exit system. EES stands for Entry/Exit System. It is an automated IT system for non-EU nationals. The system digitally registers entry and exit data. This replaces the manual stamping of passports. The EES was set for a gradual launch. It began operations on October 12, 2025. Full implementation is expected by April 2026.

Travellers reported queues lasting two hours or more. Many passengers missed their scheduled flights. The Malaga airport passenger delays were severe. The festive period is one of the busiest times. Thousands of Irish holidaymakers Costa del Sol visit for winter sun.

Operational Failures and Understaffing

Reports indicate several operational problems. These included malfunctioning biometric kiosks. There was also a shortage of trained officers. The Spanish National Police were handling processing. Some passengers noted only two manual booths open. This was for hundreds of waiting passengers.

Ryanair Issues Urgent Alert

Ryanair responded quickly to the crisis. The airline issued an urgent Ryanair border control alert. They advised customers to arrive early. The recommendation was at least three hours before departure. The airline cited longer queues at Spanish airports passport control.

Ryanair directly blamed the Spanish National Police. They claimed they were insufficiently prepared. The airline called for urgent action. The goal is to address the ongoing situation.

Industry Calls for Review

The disruption highlights challenges of the new Schengen area travel regulations. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, Irish citizens are non-Schengen area passengers. Their travel requires EES registration.

Industry groups have expressed concern. ACI Europe urged an emergency review. They cited growing queues at Spanish hubs. Uneven deployment is undermining confidence. The chaos could impact the winter-sun market. Local tourism businesses fear negative headlines. The EASA and other bodies monitor such operational impacts. The situation requires better Spanish National Police preparation.

For more updates on commercial aviation news, visit https://flying.flights. The EU system is meant to improve security. However, the current issues create significant operational risk. Airlines face potential EU261 compensation claims. The European Union is pushing for full EES functionality. The goal is to streamline border procedures. The current Christmas travel disruption shows the challenges. Stakeholders hope for a swift resolution. The IATA often advocates for efficient passenger flow. This is crucial for global air travel.