Flying to Spain this summer? Ryanair says these airports could be the most stressful

For many holidaymakers, the airport is meant to be the boring bit before the fun begins. You arrive, drop the bags, get through passport control and start thinking about the beach. This summer, however, Ryanair is warning that some of Europe’s busiest holiday airports may test passengers’ patience before they even reach the departure gate.

The airline has singled out several airports where it says travellers could face pressure linked to the EU’s new Entry Exit System, including four major Spanish holiday gateways: Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante and Malaga.

For anyone flying between the UK and Spain in the coming weeks, do not leave things too tight.

Which Spanish airports has Ryanair warned about?

Ryanair says some airports are struggling because of a lack of staff, kiosks and system readiness at a time when summer passenger numbers are climbing fast.

In Spain, the airports named are:

Tenerife South
Palma de Mallorca
Alicante Elche
Malaga Costa del Sol

That list matters because these are not minor airports. They are among the most important gateways for British and Irish tourists heading to Spain’s beaches, islands and second homes.

Alicante and Malaga handle huge numbers of UK passengers every summer. Palma is one of Europe’s classic holiday airports, especially during school breaks. Tenerife South is a major route for families, retirees and winter sun travellers too.

Ryanair’s warning does not mean every passenger will face chaos. It does mean travellers using these airports should be prepared for longer border checks than they may be used to.

What should passengers actually do?

The most useful advice is also the simplest: arrive earlier than usual.

This is especially important for families, groups with children, older travellers and anyone who is not used to the new border process.

If you are flying from a Schengen country to a non Schengen destination, or the other way around, allow extra time for passport control. Do not assume that the timing from last summer will still work this year.

That also means being careful with airport plans. Avoid booking tight transfers, do not leave car hire returns until the last minute, and be realistic about how long it can take to move through a busy terminal in July or August.

Passengers should also keep documents ready, follow airport signs closely and listen to staff instructions. Small delays become worse when people reach the border desk without passports or boarding passes ready.

Why Ryanair wants EES delayed until September

Ryanair is calling for the summer rollout of the system to be postponed until September, arguing that peak holiday season is the wrong time to test border infrastructure under maximum pressure.

The airline says passengers should not be the ones dealing with the stress of airports that are not fully ready.

That position is partly about operations, but it is also about passenger experience. Long passport queues can quickly lead to missed flights, frustrated families and delayed aircraft.

The concern is not limited to Spain. Ryanair has also pointed to airports including Milan Bergamo, Krakow and Paris Beauvais, while the Port of Dover has separately warned of severe congestion if more flexibility is not introduced.

For travellers, the debate between airlines, airports and governments may feel distant. What matters on the day is much more practical: how early should you arrive, how long will passport control take, and will your flight be affected?

For now, the safest answer is to plan for a slower airport journey than usual.

Spain remains one of Europe’s favourite summer destinations, and most travellers will still get through without major drama. But if you are flying through Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante or Malaga, Ryanair’s warning is worth taking seriously.

This summer, the smartest airport move may be giving yourself more time than you think you need.