Border controls

Brits travelling to European airports are facing five-hour queues due to new border controls, with aviation chiefs warning the situation could bring terminals to a complete standstill.

UK net migration fell to 171,000 in the year to December 2025, the lowest figure since 2021, representing an 82% decline over three years according to Office for National Statistics data. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood characterized the figures as evidence of government progress on border control, emphasizing the need to restore order while remaining welcoming to contributors.

The article discusses Roman Polanski's hypothetical 'Green utopia' vision, which includes re-education camps and abolished border controls, framing it as a dystopian nightmare. Author Leo McKinstry critiques this scenario as a troubling future vision.

Ryanair will close check-in 20 minutes earlier to address delays caused by the EU's new border control measures, which are creating long passenger wait times. The airline's adjustment aims to mitigate disruptions amid increased security checks at European airports.

Jet fuel shortages are expected to cause widespread flight cancellations in the coming weeks, while new border controls at European airports are exacerbating travel disruptions. Families are advised to prepare for significant travel chaos as these issues unfold.