Thomas Reynaert, the managing director of Airlines for Europe, highlighted the “huge” staffing issue in EU airports failing to cope with the changes.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, said the situation looked bleak with even more British holidaymakers set to fly into airports across the bloc.
He said: “Unfortunately, according to our latest reports, the situation has not dramatically improved and of course with the weekend coming up, with the peak of passengers travelling to the south from countries like the UK, non-Schengen countries – it’s not looking very good I’m afraid.”
He then hit out at the lack of preparation for the new additional checks on tourists flying in from countries, like the UK, which are outside the “passport-free” EU Schengen zone.
Mr Reynaert said: “Staffing is a huge [problem], well the lack of it is a huge problem, so it’s quite interesting to see that those countries we’ve just mentioned have been aware of this challenge coming up [for] months already.
“It’s not a new issue or a political issue on the table, they just haven’t been properly prepared and haven’t put staffing, and equipment in some cases, in place, unfortunately.”
Eurosceptics slammed the travel nightmare as another example of the EU’s revenge for Britain’s historic Brexit vote.
Ukip home affairs spokeswoman Jane Collins said: “It’s typical of the inward-looking EU to take this kind of approach. But it’s not going to make us change our minds on Brexit, just possibly change our minds on holiday destinations.”
She added: “They need to up their game for the majority of the world who aren’t from Schengen countries or they might find it has a knock-on effect on business.”
Airlines UK, which represents British carriers, has also hit back saying EU airports should have hired more border security staff in the lead up the summer holidays.
Tim Alderslade, the body’s chief executive, told the Times: “This has failed to happen thus far and it is passengers — many of whom are from the UK — who are suffering as a consequence.”
