For British travellers heading to Scandinavia and wider Europe this summer, Copenhagen Airport is emerging as one of several European gateways experiencing increased pressure at passport control. While Denmark’s capital remains one of Europe’s most efficient aviation hubs, the introduction of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) has created longer processing times for non-EU passengers, including UK citizens.

The EES replaces traditional passport stamping with a digital system that records biometric information, including facial images and fingerprints, for travellers entering the Schengen Area. Since the UK is now outside the EU, British passport holders are among those required to complete the new registration process. The first enrolment can add several minutes per passenger, creating bottlenecks during peak arrival periods.

Copenhagen Airport has advised passengers travelling beyond the Schengen zone to arrive at least three hours before departure and has urged travellers to monitor passport-control waiting times through its app and airport information screens.

Reports of Delays and Operational Challenges

Recent months have seen a number of incidents highlighting the pressure facing border-control infrastructure across Europe. In April, technical issues temporarily disrupted passport-control operations at Copenhagen Airport, resulting in significant delays for arriving passengers. The problem was later resolved, but it demonstrated how technology-dependent border systems can affect passenger flow.

Traveller reports have also pointed to lengthy immigration queues during busy periods, particularly when several non-Schengen flights arrive simultaneously. While such delays are not constant, they are becoming a more common feature of travel through major European hubs as the EES rollout progresses.

Industry bodies across Europe have repeatedly warned that airports may struggle to cope with peak summer volumes. Airports Council International (ACI Europe), airlines and travel associations have expressed concerns that biometric registration requirements could significantly extend processing times during holiday peaks.

Interior of terminal hall at Copenhagen Airport with passengers

A Wider European Issue, Not Just Copenhagen

The challenges being experienced in Copenhagen reflect a broader European trend. Airports, ferry terminals and rail crossings throughout the Schengen Area have reported longer border-processing times since the phased implementation of the EES.

According to industry reports, some European airports have experienced waiting times of up to three hours at passport control, while travel organisations have warned that delays could worsen during the height of the summer season. In some locations, authorities have temporarily suspended or scaled back EES procedures to ease congestion.

Travel companies serving the UK market are already advising customers to allow extra time for arrivals, departures and connections. Operators stress that the additional checks are part of a long-term modernisation programme designed to improve border security and automate traveller records, although the transition period is likely to remain challenging.

Brits Are Still Heading to Europe in Large Numbers

Despite concerns over airport queues and border formalities, British demand for European holidays remains robust. Travel industry feedback suggests that sun destinations in Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy and Croatia continue to dominate summer bookings, while city-break destinations such as Copenhagen are also benefiting from strong demand. Industry experts note that travellers are largely viewing the additional border procedures as an inconvenience rather than a deterrent.

The experience of recent bank holiday travel periods underlines this resilience. Even as delays linked to EES processing affected ports and airports, thousands of UK holidaymakers continued to travel across Europe, with airlines and tour operators reporting sustained demand for summer departures.

For travel sellers, the message is clear: Europe remains firmly at the top of British travellers’ wish lists. However, proactive communication will be essential. Advising customers to arrive earlier, prepare documentation in advance and expect additional border checks can help manage expectations and reduce travel-day stress.

Terminal building with airplanes parking at the gate, outside view

What It Means for the Travel Trade

For tour operators, travel agents and destination marketers, Copenhagen Airport’s growing queues offer a reminder that border processing has become a key component of the customer journey. While Copenhagen remains an attractive gateway to Denmark and the Nordic region, travellers may need more guidance than in previous years.

Travel advisors should encourage clients to:

• Arrive earlier than usual for international departures.
• Allow extra time when connecting through European hubs.
• Keep passports readily accessible at border-control points.
• Prepare for biometric registration during their first Schengen entry under EES.
• Monitor airport updates and travel alerts before departure.

As Europe adapts to a new era of digital border management, airports such as Copenhagen are working to balance security requirements with passenger convenience. The long-term goal is a more streamlined and secure travel environment, but for summer 2026, queues are likely to remain part of the travel experience for many British holidaymakers.