Tourists arriving in popular holiday destinations have been faced with immigration lines hundreds of metres long, with some having to wait for up to four hours, according to reports on Sky News.

The EU rule changes, which came into effect on April 7 following terror attacks in Paris and Brussels, mean the details of passengers from non-Schengen countries, such as the UK, are run through databases to alert authorities if they are known to pose a threat, according to BBC News.

Now Lord Callanan, the aviation minister, has said: “We understand the frustration of holidaymakers facing long queues as they start their breaks.

“While border arrangements for Schengen countries are not in the UK government’s control, I will be speaking to my counterparts in Portugal, Spain and Italy to urge them to do all they can to reduce queues and allow travellers to get on with their holidays.”

A4E, which represents airlines including Easyjet, Ryanair and British Airways-owner IAG, said delays at some airports had increased by 300% compared to last year.

Thomas Reynaert, managing director of A4E, told BBC News: "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."

A4E added that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks as the new regulations have not yet been fully implemented.