EU’s New Border System Faces Criticism as Delays Mount, Airports Chief Warns

Stop pretending EU s new border – Travel chaos has sparked fresh criticism of the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), with Stefan Schulte, president of ACI Europe, accusing policymakers of downplaying its flaws. The system, designed to streamline border checks for non-EU visitors, has been linked to prolonged wait times and missed flights, according to industry leaders. Schulte, who also oversees Frankfurt Airport, emphasized that the current state of the EES is causing significant disruptions, particularly during peak travel seasons.

The Entry-Exit System (EES)

Launched earlier this year, the EES requires international travelers to provide biometric data—such as facial scans and fingerprints—when entering most European countries. This information is then used to verify their identity during departure. While the system aims to enhance security and efficiency, its implementation has raised concerns across multiple airports. The process, which involves capturing and processing biometric data, has reportedly slowed down procedures at key hubs, leading to extended queues.

The EES operates within the Schengen free travel zone, a network of 26 European countries that allows passport-free movement between borders. However, the introduction of this digital system has added an extra layer of complexity. Travelers from outside the European Economic Area must now register their biometric details upon arrival, a requirement that has become a source of frustration for both passengers and airport staff.

Industry Concerns and Calls for Change

According to Schulte, the system’s performance has been inconsistent, with some countries managing it effectively while others face operational challenges. At a recent industry event in Prague, he stated, “Passengers are queueing for hours during busy periods, and I just do not know how we will be able to cope with the anticipated surge in traffic in the coming weeks.” His comments reflect growing unease among airport operators, who are struggling to balance the system’s goals with its practical impact.

“We urgently need full flexibility for border control authorities to suspend the EES whenever needed to avoid further chaos—along with a rethink of those processes,” Schulte said. “This is about showing respect and decency for those who chose to travel to the EU and safeguarding our reputation as a welcoming and efficient destination.”

The system’s problems have been highlighted by recent incidents. In early May, dozens of Ryanair passengers were stranded in Athens after their flight to London Luton departed without them. Ryanair attributed the delay to border processing issues, while the airport cited congestion caused by “additional requirements.” Neither party directly blamed the EES, but the event marked another instance of passengers being left behind since its rollout.

Similar issues emerged in April when travelers departing from Milan Bergamo and Milan Linate missed flights due to passport control bottlenecks. These delays have prompted airlines to adjust their schedules and advise passengers to arrive earlier. Wizz Air, for example, has urged British holidaymakers to reach European airports three hours before their flights, citing the time lost to EES-related checks.

Uncertainty Over Exemptions

The EES’s impact has also sparked debates about exemptions for certain nationalities. Earlier this year, Greece’s tourism minister, Olga Kefalogianni, promised British visitors would not face biometric checks when traveling to the country this summer. However, the Greek Foreign Ministry later contradicted this, stating no such exemption was in place. This confusion has left travelers unsure about the system’s true scope.

Portugal and Italy were reportedly considering similar measures, but the European Commission clarified that no official plans had been finalized. Despite this, the perception of the EES as a cause of disruption persists, with some airlines and airports feeling the system’s rigidity is a hindrance to smooth operations.

Long-Term Risks and Calls for Action

Schulte warned that the current situation could worsen if the system is not re-evaluated. He pointed out that the summer travel peak extends well beyond early September, when the Commission allows temporary suspensions of the EES. “If we don’t address these issues, we could see the complete collapse of the system,” he said. This risk has amplified fears that the EES may undermine the EU’s ability to handle high volumes of traffic efficiently.

The system’s technical challenges are compounded by administrative hurdles. While the EES is intended to automate border checks, its implementation has required manual interventions in some cases. This hybrid approach has led to variability in performance, with certain airports experiencing more severe delays than others.

Politicians, however, have been slow to acknowledge the system’s shortcomings. Schulte accused them of “pretending” that the EES is functioning as intended, despite evidence to the contrary. He argued that the system’s flaws are not just technical but also reflect a lack of preparedness in managing the transition to digital border controls. “This is about ensuring the EU remains a desirable destination for travelers, not just a bureaucratic bottleneck,” he added.

As the system continues to operate, its effectiveness remains under scrutiny. The European Commission has allowed temporary suspensions in specific circumstances until September, but the decision to implement these pauses lies with individual governments. This has created a patchwork of policies, with some countries adopting more flexible approaches while others remain rigid.

The BBC has sought comment from the European Commission, which oversees the EES, to clarify its stance on the system’s performance. Meanwhile, the ongoing delays have sparked a conversation about the need for better coordination between EU institutions and member states. Industry leaders are urging a comprehensive review of the EES’s design and implementation to prevent further disruptions.

With the summer season approaching, the urgency to resolve these issues is growing. Airlines are adjusting their operations, passengers are growing impatient, and airports are bracing for increased pressure. If the EES fails to adapt, it could become a major obstacle to the EU’s reputation as a gateway for international travel. As Schulte noted, the system’s success depends not only on technology but also on how well it integrates with the broader travel infrastructure.

Have you encountered delays linked to the EES? Share your experience and help shape the conversation about its impact on daily travel.