April 2026 marks a significant turning point for British travellers heading to Europe, as several major changes to travel rules and flight costs come into effect simultaneously. From the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System to rising airfares driven by fuel price increases, here is everything UK flyers need to know about what has changed and what to expect in the months ahead.
The EU Entry/Exit System: What Is It?
The EU Entry/Exit System, commonly known as the EES, is described as the biggest change to European border control in decades. The system, which began its full rollout in April 2026, replaces the old passport stamp system with a digital registration process that records the biometric data of non-EU travellers crossing EU borders.
For British travellers — who, since Brexit, are classed as third-country nationals when visiting EU member states — this means that at EU border crossings you will now need to provide a fingerprint scan and have your photograph taken. Your entry and exit dates will be recorded electronically, making it far easier for border authorities to track whether travellers have exceeded their permitted 90-day-in-180-days stay.
How Will EES Affect Travellers at UK Airports and Ports?
The biggest practical concern for travellers has been the potential for significant queuing delays at major crossing points including Dover, Eurostar terminals, and at airports with EU-bound flights. Authorities have worked to put additional infrastructure in place, but early reports from border posts suggest that processing times are longer than under the previous stamp-based system.
Travellers are strongly advised to arrive at departure points earlier than usual, particularly during peak periods such as school holidays and bank holiday weekends. Families with young children should factor in extra time, as each family member — including children — will need to complete the EES process individually.
Flight Prices Rising in 2026: What UK Travellers Should Expect
Beyond the border changes, UK and EU travellers face another challenge in 2026: higher airfares. Rising jet fuel prices, driven in part by ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting global energy markets, are pushing ticket prices upward. Airlines are warning of mid-single-digit percentage increases in fares, with the biggest impacts expected on long-haul routes to the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.
European short-haul routes are less severely affected, but travellers booking for summer 2026 should be prepared to pay more than they did for equivalent trips in 2024 or 2025. Booking early remains the best strategy for securing the lowest fares, as prices tend to rise sharply in the final six to eight weeks before departure.
Storm Dave and Earlier April Disruption
Early April 2026 also saw significant flight disruption caused by Storm Dave, which brought strong winds and heavy rain across the UK and Ireland. Over 72 flights were cancelled and more than 743 delayed across major hubs including London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin during the storm’s peak. Most services had resumed normally within 48 hours, but the disruption served as a timely reminder of the importance of travel insurance for UK flights.
Tips for UK Travellers Flying to Europe in 2026
Given all of the above changes, here are some practical tips for anyone planning a European flight this year:
- Arrive early: Allow at least 30 minutes more than usual at EU-bound departure points to account for EES processing.
- Book flights early: With airfares rising, booking at least three months in advance will typically yield the best prices.
- Take out travel insurance: As Storm Dave demonstrated, disruption can happen at any time. Good travel insurance covering cancellations and delays is essential.
- Check your 90-day allowance: With EES now digitally tracking entry and exit dates, make sure you are not at risk of exceeding your permitted stay in the Schengen zone.
- Download your airline’s app: Real-time notifications about gate changes, delays, and boarding make the airport experience significantly smoother.
Looking Ahead: Is There Better News on the Horizon?
Despite the challenges, UK aviation remains one of the busiest and best-connected in the world. Over half of British adults plan to visit a new country in 2026, and demand for flights remains robust. Airlines continue to add new routes and increase frequencies, particularly to popular leisure destinations in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean.
The key message for travellers is to plan ahead, remain flexible, and factor in the new EES process at European borders. With some preparation, there is no reason why 2026 cannot be an excellent year for UK travellers eager to explore the world.