Ryanair Passengers Miss Athens Flight After Border Delays
Dozens of Ryanair passengers missed an Athens to London Luton flight after long waits at passport control delayed people heading to the gate. The flight was due to leave Athens Airport on 14 June, but some UK-bound passengers were still caught in departure checks when boarding closed. Ryanair said those already at the gate travelled without incident.
What Passengers Should Know
- Airport affected: Athens International Airport
- Airline: Ryanair
- Route: Athens and London Luton
- Date: 14 June
- Issue: departure passport-control delays
- Passengers affected: up to 50 reported unable to board
- Main group affected: travellers leaving the Schengen Area
- Advice: arrive early, check gate times and allow extra passport-control time
Athens Airport said there had been periods of congestion at passport control in the departures area because of high passenger volumes and extra processing for non-Schengen destinations. The airport added that some routes may face longer processing times while new border-control procedures continue to be introduced and adjusted across European airports.
The case has raised fresh concerns about airport queues linked to Europe’s new Entry/Exit System, although Greek advice for UK travellers has been less clear-cut. UK Foreign Office guidance says Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect fingerprints and photos for UK travellers as part of EES, but passengers should still follow instructions at the border.
Athens remains a major gateway for Greek island trips, city breaks and connections across Europe, but UK-bound travellers should leave more time after security. Anyone flying to London, Manchester or other non-Schengen destinations should check passport-control queues before relaxing near shops or lounges. Tight self-made connections after a Greek holiday now carry more risk.
The incident shows that being inside the airport is not always enough when border checks sit between security and the gate. Airlines may still close boarding while passengers are waiting at passport control. During busy summer departures, UK-bound travellers should move through the exit checks early and keep an eye on boarding deadlines, not just airport arrival time.
