Airlines describe 'shameful' scenes as passengers face huge delays this summer

Thousands of flights have been delayed across Europe already this summer because border controls are understaffed, according to A4E.

Airports in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal face immigration queues of up to four hours and delays have increased by 300%, according to A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert.

The delays have been caused because EU border controls are significantly understaffed to comply with tightened immigration checks and some passengers have missed their flights.

Reynaert said: "Especially during the peak season of the year, travellers face long lines and can't get on their flights.

"Queuing for up to four hours has been the top record these days; airports like Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Lyon, Paris-Orly, Milan or Brussels are producing shameful pictures of devastated passengers in front of immigration booths, in lines stretching hundreds of metres.

"At some airports, flight delays have increased by 300% compared to last year. Member States must take the responsibility for this,"

He added: "Member States need to take all necessary measures now to prevent such disruptions and deploy appropriate staff and resources in sufficient numbers to carry out the requested checks.

"A4E has stressed the disproportionate waiting times and disrupted flow of traffic at external borders with the European Commission and calls for a swift solution on behalf of European passengers and airlines."