The company has submitted an updated notification to the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), outlining plans to launch two new international routes from February 2028, or as soon as operational and regulatory conditions allow.

The proposed expansion builds on Arriva’s previously announced plans to operate direct trains between Groningen and Paris, a service first expected to launch in 2026 but now postponed until at least 2027. Together, the three routes would create a broader international network serving several major Dutch cities while providing additional travel options through Belgium.

Under the latest proposal, Arriva intends to operate two daily return services between Amersfoort and Paris, with stops in Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Breda before crossing into Belgium. Belgian stops would include Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels-South and Mons before continuing to the French capital.

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A second route would connect The Hague with Paris three times a day in each direction, calling at Rotterdam and Roosendaal before following the same Belgian itinerary.

For travellers in Belgium, the plans would introduce new direct rail links not only to Paris but also to major Dutch cities including Utrecht and The Hague, while reinforcing Brussels Airport’s role as an increasingly important international rail hub.

The Hague would also gain its first direct rail connection to Paris, improving access between the French capital and one of Europe’s leading centres for diplomacy, international organisations and international justice.

Arriva says the expansion would make use of existing spare capacity on rail infrastructure in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. However, the company acknowledged that launching new international services remains a lengthy process requiring timetable coordination, infrastructure capacity allocation and regulatory approvals in all three countries.

The operator argues that demand for international rail travel continues to grow as passengers increasingly seek sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights. It also believes that greater competition on international routes can help lower fares and improve service quality, pointing to experiences in countries such as Spain, Italy and France following rail market liberalisation.

The latest announcement follows Arriva’s earlier proposal to introduce a daily Groningen-Paris service via Brussels, first announced in 2023. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, that service was initially expected to begin in June 2026, with stops including Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels Central, Brussels-South and Mons before reaching Paris. The company has since revised its timetable, with the Groningen route now expected to launch no earlier than 2027 as preparations continue.

Arriva is the largest competitor to Dutch national railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and already operates cross-border services in the region through the Three Country Train, which links Liège, Maastricht and Aachen.

If approved, the expanded network would mark another step towards greater rail connectivity across north-west Europe, offering travellers more direct alternatives to flying while strengthening links between the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

L’article Arriva plans new rail links connecting Utrecht and The Hague with Brussels and Paris from 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 13 was the brainchild of Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung, but suffered a series of setbacks, including construction issues and financing, even before its original, delayed launch in 2018.

Located in Macao’s Seac Pai Van, Coloane, a wooded area reclaimed from the sea for housing and commerce, Hotel 13 was once billed as the world’s most luxurious hotel, having cost over US$7 million per room to create. Hung said at its inauguration that it would lay down “a new world standard for ultra-luxury hotels through its native brand, The 13.”

Even the establishment’s most basic accommodation, the “Villa du Comte”, featured Baroque detailing, sculptures, and deluxe fabrics. The villa-style suites had private elevators, Roman baths and colonnades, and offered private butler service and transport thanks to a fleet of bespoke, Rolls-Royce Phantoms—painted red to match the hotel itself.

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The hotel’s garishness was, however, considered part of its downfall. It also failed to become profitable due to its distance from Macao’s gambling district and its failure to secure its own satellite casino licence. It suspended operations in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, underwent bankruptcy in 2023, and, after earning a renewed five-star deluxe licence from the Macao Government Tourism Office, was acquired by Rio Hotel chairperson Loi Keong Kuong for HK$598 million (US$72 million) in 2025.

Now, with a new gold look and a suite of Guinness World Records under its belt (it holds the title for the most hotel elevator lobbies, and a green wall which is the tallest semi-indoor vertical garden in the world extending from the fifth to the 20th floor), the hotel team is looking to tap into the surging premium travel segment.

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That effort includes leaning into the hotel’s location, close to non-gambling attractions, including a nearby golf course and Macao’s Giant Panda Pavilion, to reel in affluent guests from across mainland China, as well as Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian source markets.

The fine dining offer at the 13 Palace embraces Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Italian and Japanese cuisine and hospitality venues include the Baroque blue glass Chairman’s Bar, while luxury spa facilities, limousines, and 24-hour butler service for its 199 suites remain de rigeur.

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It is hoped that the phased opening of between 50 and 100 rooms to start with will build momentum and a reputation on social media channels. Hotel sources said room bookings are currently at 50 to 60%, though online reservations do not yet appear to be accessible internationally.

L’article World’s former most expensive hotel finally reopens in Macao est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The controversial president of the international federation has had his movements by private jet during the tournament tracked by BBC Sport and BBC Verify. They found he had racked up thousands of air miles going from match to match, generating a similar climate impact in the first two weeks of the competition to that of 78 people during an entire year.

One of the biggest days, the BBC reported, was 15 June, when he flew 5,500 km, going from America’s southeast in Miami to the northwest in Seattle for Belgium’s encounter with Egypt, then heading south to Los Angeles where he attended Iran v New Zealand.

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What’s more, the climate implications of the 2026 World Cup are particularly severe since the tournament takes place not in one country, but across a whole continent, from Mexico to Canada. Despite teams being hosted regionally to reduce their travel, and notwithstanding FIFA’s supposed promotion of electric vehicles, public transport, and use of existing stadiums, Infantino and fans too have been doing far more air travel than during a regular World Cup event.

A 2025 report from Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) put the overall carbon footprint of this World Cup as high as nine million tonnes of CO₂e, twice as much as the average for the past four events, making this year’s the most polluting ever.

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The BBC analysis showed that Infantino’s private jet, reportedly a Gulfstream G650ER, had travelled at least 50,122 km, clocking up over 66 hours of airtime, from the start of the competition to 27 June alone. The plane’s average fuel burn rate of roughly 1,817 litres an hour means those journeys emitted an estimated 516 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO₂e), based on UK government conversion data. The average carbon emissions for one person in a year total, around six tons, meaning Infantino’s jet use during that fortnight period generated as much carbon as 78 people in a year. (The BBC reporting does acknowledge, however, that up to 19 people could be flying on the jet, though the actual number of passengers on board with Infantino for the various trips is not known.)

It’s arguable that as FIFA’s president, Infantino has a duty to attend as many matches as possible to meet dignitaries and officials and support the teams taking part. A FIFA spokesperson has defended the travel as routine.

@foot__jr_

Gianni Infantino during the World Cup so he doesn't miss any match FIFA World Cup 2026 has matches spread across dozens of stadiums across North America, yet somehow the FIFA President is present at what feels like every single game. One day he's in one city, a few hours later he's at another stadium hundreds or even thousands of miles away, and by the next kickoff he's already there again. At this point, I'm done trying to understand the logistics. Fans are debating tactics and refereeing decisions, while I'm just trying to figure out what kind of teleportation technology this man has unlocked.

♬ original sound – Foor Jr

But critics point out Infantino has regularly travelled around 4,000 km in one day, an approach to the tournament that seems to be at odds with his stated position on climate change. In the federation’s 2026 World Cup sustainability and human rights strategy, the president said: “Whether we speak about climate, human rights, diseases, or disabilities, we are committed to play our part.” As a body, FIFA has pledged to cut its emissions by half and hit net-zero before 2040.

For Infantino, the disquiet over emissions adds to the controversy building around his relationship with another fan of private jets, President Donald Trump. The FIFA president is accused of having succumbed to pressure from the president over a red card issued to US star player Flo Balogun. The red card should have precluded Balogun from playing the next match with Belgium but, after an admitted intervention from Trump, Balogun’s ban was lifted (though in the end, it did not prevent Belgium from winning the crucial game). Some fans and stakeholders around the world are calling for Infantino’s resignation, but for now he continues his role, in the skies, and perhaps, on borrowed time.

L’article Infantino under fire for private jet emissions during 2026 World Cup est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The outlook for the peak summer season remains particularly strong. Spanish authorities expect around 43 million international visitors between June and September, a 6% increase compared with the same period last year. Tourism is also expected to generate around €64 billion for the economy during those four months, up 10% year-on-year. The sector remains one of Spain’s main economic pillars, contributing around 13% of the country’s economy and supporting millions of jobs.

Las previsiones de turismo internacional para este verano reafirman que las políticas del @minturgob van en la dirección correcta:

Se prevé que el gasto de los visitantes crezca con más intensidad en destinos tradicionalmente menos turísticos

Hacia un modelo más sostenible https://t.co/GOFD0xlzUG

— Jordi Hereu (@jordihereub) July 6, 2026

Part of this year’s growth has been linked to changing travel patterns. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted some travellers to choose destinations perceived as more stable, benefiting countries across Southern Europe, including Spain. “Three months ago, we thought the conflict in the Middle East could slow tourist arrivals, but the data shows remarkable resilience despite the circumstances,” said Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu.

Another factor attracting visitors this summer is the total solar eclipse that will take place in August. The rare event will be visible across large parts of northern and inland Spain, drawing astronomy enthusiasts and travellers hoping to experience the eclipse under favourable viewing conditions. According to the tourism minister, many rural accommodations in these regions are already fully booked because of the event. The increased interest is also bringing visitors to destinations that are less familiar to international tourists, helping spread tourism beyond the country’s busiest coastal resorts.

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Rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor numbers, the Spanish government is using the expected record year to promote a different tourism model. Authorities want to encourage travellers to discover inland regions, cultural destinations and nature areas while also extending tourism beyond the traditional summer season. The strategy aims to reduce pressure on the country’s most visited coastal areas and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across Spain. “We favour what I call calm growth, in other words, growth that can be easily managed,” Hereu said.

The government has been promoting lesser-known destinations through campaigns that highlight Spain’s historic towns, gastronomy, national parks and rural landscapes instead of focusing only on beaches. Officials say travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that combine relaxation with culture, local food and outdoor activities. At the same time, more people are travelling during the spring and autumn, helping to extend the tourism season. That shift gives businesses a longer operating period and provides more stable employment for workers in the tourism sector.

El turismo internacional sigue siendo un pilar de nuestra economía.

En mayo, España recibió 10,3 M de turistas internacionales (+9,5%), que realizaron un gasto de más de 13.500 M de euros, un 10,9% más que en el mismo mes del año anterior.

https://t.co/rHYcaFzbZi pic.twitter.com/mZCmVYavHm

— Ministerio de Industria y Turismo (@minturgob) July 2, 2026

The move towards a more balanced tourism model also comes as Spain continues to face criticism over overtourism. In recent years, demonstrations have taken place in cities including Barcelona, where residents have protested against rising housing costs, overcrowding and the growing number of short-term holiday rentals. Several Spanish cities and regions have responded by tightening regulations on tourist accommodation and limiting new holiday rental licences. According to Hereu, managing tourism more carefully is essential as visitor numbers continue to grow, arguing that “the old formulas no longer work.”

With international demand remaining strong and new attractions such as the August eclipse drawing visitors beyond the country’s traditional beach destinations, Spain appears set for another record-breaking year. At the same time, authorities hope the milestone of 100 million visitors will also mark a turning point in how tourism is managed. By encouraging travellers to explore different regions and visit throughout the year, the government aims to ensure that future growth benefits both visitors and local communities alike.

L’article Spain on track to welcome 100 million international tourists in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, the country is forecast to record an online travel agency (OTA) accommodation occupancy rate of 51.2% during the summer season, ahead of Spain (42.8%) and France (32.9%). At the same time, Italy’s average nightly room rate is expected to remain at €153, below Spain (€170) and Greece (€195), positioning the country as both a highly sought-after and comparatively affordable destination.

The figures, compiled by the Ministry of Tourism’s Statistics Office, are based on OTA booking data and form part of a broader assessment indicating another strong year for Italy’s visitor economy.

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International tourism continues to drive growth

Official figures from the Interior Ministry’s Alloggiati Web platform, combined with data from the Ministry of Tourism and the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat), show that tourist arrivals increased by 4.43% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

International tourism has been the main engine of growth, with foreign arrivals rising by 6.45%, while domestic arrivals increased by 1.97%.

Calabria recorded the strongest overall growth in tourist arrivals, up 10.54%, followed by Umbria (+9.70%), Piedmont (+9.22%), Sardinia (+8.24%) and Puglia (+7.43%).

Foreign visitor numbers grew particularly strongly in Calabria (+23.19%), Puglia (+14.63%), Abruzzo (+14.04%), Molise (+13.14%), Basilicata (+11.55%), Sardinia (+11.44%) and Piedmont (+10.38%).

Meanwhile, non-hotel accommodation continued to outperform traditional hotels, with arrivals increasing by 7.46%, compared with a 2.27% rise for hotel establishments.

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Strong summer outlook

The ministry’s data also points to a particularly busy peak season.

National OTA occupancy for June and July is projected to increase by 13.4% and 10% respectively compared with the same months in 2025.

While seaside holidays remain popular, lake destinations are expected to achieve the country’s highest occupancy rate at 54%, followed by spa resorts and coastal destinations, both at 51%. According to the ministry, demand in these areas is growing at almost twice the national average.

Among Italy’s regions, Veneto is forecast to record the highest occupancy rate (57.5%), followed by Emilia-Romagna (56.7%), the autonomous province of Trento (55.7%), the autonomous province of Bolzano (54.9%), Friuli Venezia Giulia (53.7%), Sicily (53.3%) and Tuscany (52.5%), all above the national average.

The ministry also highlighted growing international interest in travelling to Italy. Flight searches are up 26% compared with last year, led by Poland (+76%), Germany (+66%) and Spain (+48%). Airline capacity on direct scheduled flights has also increased by 14%, exceeding the growth recorded for Spain (+8%), Greece (+7%) and France (+2%).

Demand for the Ferragosto holiday period is also rising, with searches for flights between 14 and 16 August up 17% compared with the same holiday period in 2025.

Tourism remains a strategic sector

Italian Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi said the figures demonstrate Italy’s continued appeal among international travellers.

“The summer of 2026 confirms itself as a success for tourism in Italy, with an OTA occupancy rate of 51.2%, higher than competitors such as Spain and France,” he said.

“The 26% increase in flight searches compared with last year, together with greater airline capacity, demonstrates strong international interest in our country. Italy maintains its position as the preferred destination for visitors from around the world. This result is the fruit of constant teamwork between the government, businesses and tourism operators. We are proud of it and look to the future with optimism.”

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Mazzi also described tourism as a pillar of the national economy, saying the government would continue investing in the sector despite global economic challenges.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni likewise welcomed the figures, saying they recognise “the beauty of our country, the quality of our offer and the hard work of the entire tourism sector.”

She thanked tourism entrepreneurs, workers and professionals for helping make Italy “an increasingly attractive and competitive destination”, adding that the government would continue supporting what it considers a strategic sector for the country’s economic growth.

L’article Italy forecasts it will top European tourism in summer 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The first-ever title of Europe’s Best Bar went to Line in Athens. Located inside a former art warehouse, the venue has become known for combining innovative cocktails with sustainability. Rather than discarding leftover ingredients, the team reuses by-products to create drinks such as the Delusional Margarita, made with ketchup, mustard and potato water, and the Why-Ins, prepared with every fruit except grapes. Athens dominated the inaugural edition of the ranking, with The Bar in Front of the Bar taking second place, while Barro Negro, Baba au Rum and The Clumsies also secured spots on the list.

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London was named Europe’s Cocktail Capital after recording the highest number of entries in the ranking. Eight bars from the British capital were recognised, led by Connaught Bar, which placed 10^th overall. Other London venues included Satan’s Whiskers, Tayēr + Elementary, Waltz, Kwãnt Mayfair, Three Sheets (Soho) and Scarfes Bar. Together, they reflect the city’s wide range of cocktail experiences, from luxury hotel bars to neighbourhood favourites and modern experimental venues.

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The ranking also demonstrates that some of Europe’s most exciting cocktail destinations are found beyond the continent’s traditional capitals. Mirror Bar in Bratislava reached eighth place, while Nouvelle Vague in Tirana ranked 16^th. Cities including Krakow, Prague, Zurich, Thessaloniki and Innsbruck also earned places, showing that travellers can discover award-winning bars in destinations that are often overlooked for cocktail culture. Barcelona, Paris and Milan also performed strongly, with several venues from each city appearing throughout the ranking.

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Another noticeable trend is the variety of buildings that now house Europe’s leading cocktail bars. Panda & Sons in Edinburgh is hidden behind the façade of a traditional barbershop, while Svanen in Oslo occupies a beautifully preserved pharmacy dating back to 1896. In Rome, Freni e Frizioni welcomes guests inside a former mechanic’s workshop. Many venues also place sustainability at the centre of their concept by using seasonal local ingredients, reducing waste and finding creative ways to reuse products that would otherwise be discarded.

L’article Planning a city break? These are Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The disruption has affected dozens of airlines operating to and from Sicily. Around 130 flights have been cancelled, while another 50 have been diverted to other airports on the island and beyond. Airlines affected include Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Iberia, Jet2, SAS, Delta Air Lines and Air Canada. Most of the affected routes connect Sicily with destinations across Europe, although some long-haul flights, including services to New York and Montreal, have also been impacted. Some flights scheduled to depart later in the day have already been delayed, while airlines continue to adjust their schedules depending on the volcanic activity.

As Catania Airport remains affected, many incoming flights have been redirected to Palermo Airport on the northwestern side of Sicily. Palermo handled dozens of additional flights on 5 July and is expected to receive even more while the disruption continues. Other diverted flights have landed at Comiso and Trapani airports, while some aircraft have also been redirected to Rome and Vienna. Several airlines are arranging bus transfers for passengers arriving in Palermo so they can continue their journey to Catania and other destinations on the island.

The eruption began on 5 July 2026, when Mount Etna produced strong ash emissions and explosive volcanic activity. According to Italy’s Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), the volcanic ash cloud reached around 4,500 metres, prompting authorities to issue the highest, red-level aviation alert. This warning is specifically designed for the aviation industry and informs pilots and air traffic controllers that volcanic ash could pose a serious risk to aircraft. Italy’s Department of Civil Protection had already raised the volcano’s alert level from green to yellow in late June after detecting increased volcanic tremors, showing that activity had been building for several days.

@dimarcovale The situation at Catania airport after Ryanair cancelled flights without providing passenger assistance. Everyone, including minors and passengers with disabilities, was abandoned to their own devices. Nobody deigned to help or seek a solution, and hundreds of people spent the night in the airport amidst the cold and hardships. Situazione aeroporto di Catania dopo che Ryanair ha cancellato i voli senza assistere i passeggeri. Tutti, compresi minori e disabili, abbandonati a sé stessi. Nessuno si è degnato di aiutare o cercare una soluzione, centinaia di persone hanno trascorso la notte in aeroporto tra freddo e disagi. @Ryanair @Ryanair Italia @Aeroporto catania new #etna #eruption #catania #airport #ryanair ♬ original sound – rafael moran

Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, is Europe’s most active volcano and erupts regularly. The current eruption originated from a vent near the Voragine summit crater, while lava flows that had been active since late June ended shortly before the latest explosive activity began. Even after the lava flow stopped, the volcano continued producing bursts of ash, gas and volcanic material. Because weather conditions can carry ash over large distances, aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to determine when it is safe for flights to resume.

Passengers travelling to or from Sicily are encouraged to monitor updates from their airline before leaving for the airport, as flight schedules may continue to change. Travellers whose flights are cancelled are generally entitled to choose between a replacement flight and a refund. Airlines must also provide assistance, such as meals and accommodation, if passengers are required to wait before continuing their journey. However, because volcanic eruptions are considered extraordinary circumstances that are outside an airline’s control, passengers are unlikely to receive additional financial compensation for the disruption.

L’article Mount Etna eruption disrupts flights as Catania Airport suspends operations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Overall, 55% of accommodation providers are doing so without having gained the correct permissions, and another 22% hold only temporary licences. That means bona fide businesses form only 23% of the island’s hotel and tourist accommodation, the Audit Office figures show. In the Cypriot government-controlled Famagusta region, only 24 of the 241 tourist accommodation establishments are licensed—less than 10%.

Following the report, the island’s Deputy Ministry of Tourism recognised the issue, noting that over half of the territory’s tourist accommodation providers had never applied for a permit to operate. Tourism licensing is a perennial problem for the island, going back at least three decades. Officials say the backlog deteriorated further after an incentive scheme introduced in May 2013 came into effect with the aim of boosting the economy through denser developments and legalising unlicensed builds. This led to large-scale renovations and extensions that are yet to be assimilated into the permit system.

A compliance window of six years saw only 43 licenses awarded, meaning only six percent of hotels had a permit by 2023. That situation has now improved slightly, with the number of permits up to 94, or just under 13% by the end of 2024.

The last two years, meanwhile, have been taken up with consultations between the Deputy Ministry and various state bodies, with a view to ensuring a legal framework that applies safety legislation equally to all stakeholders. A programme of scheduled reminders to alert hospitality professionals to their obligations is also underway.

The picture is slightly better when it comes to self-catering accommodation, the Deputy Ministry said, with licensing drives increasing the number of operators with proper permits from 4,765 in April 2023 to 8,478 by 29 June 2026—a notable increase of 78%.

Given the proportion of operators doing business without licenses, the number of complaints about non-registered premises on the island is relatively low at 88 official reports.

Cyprus welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in 2025, according to Cyprus Statistical Service data, a record-breaking number representing an increase of 12.2% year-on-year, but 2026 has been a challenging year so far, due to disruptions and travel alerts prompted by the war in the Middle East during the first and second quarters.

L’article Almost three-quarters of tourist accommodation in Cyprus operating without proper license est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On 23 June 2026, a report called ‘Les points de blocage de la performance de la direction des services de la navigation aérienne et les moyens de les surmonter’ (‘The problems affecting the performance of the DSNA and how to overcome them’) was published by senator Vincent Capo-Canellas. The document is clear: France’s air traffic control is the worst in Europe, with 6.6 million minutes of flight delays in 2025, resulting in a loss of €800 million for airlines and significant inconvenience for passengers. By 2035, this could be up to €1.7 billion.

The report mentions that Eurocontrol, the pan-European civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation, believes France could become a weak spot within Europe’s airspace, a projection underlined by the fact that 30% of France’s air traffic controllers are set to retire between 2029 and 2035. With France acting as an important overflight country, the consequences are likely to lead to structural cancellations throughout the continent.

In a letter published on 2 July 2026, Ryanair uses the publication of the report as a lever to urge the French government to take action and to reform the DSNA.

“This French Senate report confirms what airlines and passengers have known for years – French ATC Europe’s weakest link: woefully mismanaged, understaffed, underproductive and still using technology that belongs in a museum. It is extraordinary that France is still using paper flight strips and outdated radio systems while its so-called modernisation programme is more than a decade behind schedule. This is not bad luck. This is not a funding problem. This is a management failure,” stated Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Neal McMahon.

Some of the action points put forward by McMahon include uncapped controller recruitment to 2030, shorter training times, better rostering, improved productivity, and a dedicated budget that ensures ATC charges are reinvested in modern systems and capacity.

This aligns with the recommendations put forward by Senator Vincent Capo-Canellas in the report, who structured the measures that need to be taken into three themes.

1. To prevent France from becoming a major bottleneck within the European airspace, and given that the aviation sector self-funds the system, it is necessary to ease the budgetary and staffing constraints that weigh on air traffic control.
2. In return, the DSNA must make new, concrete commitments to enable French air traffic control to return to an acceptable level of performance, whilst ensuring complete transparency regarding the assessments of the effectiveness and efficiency of each of the measures taken with this aim in mind.
3. The DSNA must manage and address the issues of technical obsolescence that affect air traffic control.

The call for action published by Ryanair also mentions a guaranteed protection for overflights during French ATC strikes.

“It is also unacceptable that French ATC strikes continue to cause unnecessary disruption to overflights between two non-French countries. France already protects domestic flights during ATC strikes through minimum service rules, yet passengers flying over France, for example between Ireland and Spain, or the UK and Italy are still unfairly delayed or cancelled. The French Govt and the EU Commission must now protect overflights during French ATC strikes, while respecting the right of French ATC unions to strike. (…) The time for excuses is over. The time for reform is now,” wrote Neal McMahon.

When French air traffic controllers go on strike, this regularly creates a wave of chaos throughout the European airspace. In the past, Ryanair and easyJet have already called on the EU to intervene and ensure a continued service.

L’article Ryanair uses French Senate report to call for air traffic control reform est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Speaking during a press conference in Ireland on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted that the rollout of the new digital border system has not gone as planned.

“We are working with Member States to resolve these technical issues,” she said, recognising that “there is still a lot to do” to address the operational difficulties.

The comments come after weeks of mounting criticism from airports, airlines, tourism organisations and travellers, many of whom have reported waiting several hours to clear border controls at major European gateways.

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Industry warns of five-hour queues

The EES officially became fully operational on 10 April 2026 after a phased rollout that began in October 2025. The system replaces passport stamps for most non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area with a digital registration process that records facial images, fingerprints and travel details.

The European Commission says the system is designed to strengthen border security, combat irregular migration and identify travellers who overstay their permitted time in the Schengen Area.

However, its implementation has proved challenging, particularly at airports where first-time registrations require additional biometric checks.

@amber.penny Sheesh guys this was rough after 27 hours of travelling #romeairport #ees #europe #rome #airport ♬ original sound – Mari

Earlier this week, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the situation had reached a “critical point”. In an open letter to the European Commission, the organisations said passengers are experiencing border queues of up to five hours during peak periods.

“Passengers have already been forced to wait for long hours outside terminals and in parking areas because border control services are unable to process arrivals quickly enough,” the organisations wrote.

Many travellers have also shared videos on social media showing overcrowded arrival halls and lengthy queues at border control across Europe.

Commission defends the system

Despite acknowledging the operational problems, the European Commission continues to defend the Entry/Exit System as a key element of the EU’s external border management.

According to the Commission, the system is essential for knowing who enters and leaves the European Union while improving security and helping authorities detect fraud, identity abuse and irregular migration.

Since the rollout, more than 40,000 people have reportedly been refused entry because of invalid documentation or failure to meet entry requirements, while more than 1,000 individuals have been identified as posing potential security risks.

Securing EU borders since 12 October: our new Entry/Exit System. Member States have caught human traffickers, stopped potential terrorists, and uncovered fraud in unprecedented ways. All thanks to our new system that collects and matches biometric data at border crossing points. pic.twitter.com/21IS4Z8H5k

— Magnus Brunner (@magnusbrunner) July 6, 2026

The Commission also maintains that member states and airports had sufficient time to prepare for implementation and insists that responsibility for providing adequate staffing and infrastructure lies primarily with national authorities.

A Commission spokesperson has previously said that the impact remains limited at most European airports and that Brussels continues to support both member states and the aviation sector in addressing implementation challenges.

Calls for greater flexibility

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, aviation organisations are urging Brussels to allow member states greater flexibility to temporarily suspend EES procedures whenever border control capacity is exceeded.

The proposal would enable authorities to pause biometric registration during exceptionally busy periods in July and August while maintaining standard passport checks.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has also called for a more coordinated approach, including wider use of the Travel to Europe mobile application for pre-registration and better communication with travellers before departure.

Meanwhile, some destinations have already introduced temporary measures. Greece has suspended biometric collection at certain entry points during periods of heavy traffic, while Rome’s airport operator has indicated it will also seek to pause parts of the system to avoid disruption during the busiest weeks of summer.

@WTTC endorses the request from @ACI_EUROPE, @A4Europe and @IATA for a coordinated implementation of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES).

Secure borders and seamless travel must go hand in hand to protect Europe's competitiveness and the traveller experience.

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— WTTC (@WTTC) July 2, 2026

Delays could continue for years

Although the Commission is working with member states to improve operations, officials have warned that travellers should not expect an immediate solution.

In late June 2026, Frontex deputy executive director Uku Särekanno said disruption linked to the Entry/Exit System could take between one and two years to stabilise, explaining that the registration of fingerprints and facial images during travellers’ first visit to the Schengen Area remains the most complex part of the process.

For now, airlines continue to advise passengers travelling to the Schengen Area from outside the European Union to allow considerably more time than usual for border formalities, particularly at major international hubs where first-time EES registrations are creating the greatest delays.

L’article EU admits there is “much to do” as EES border delays continue to disrupt summer travel est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.