EU border delays 'not bearable' over summer, warns airport boss

European airlines and airports are warning of severe travel disruptions due to the EU's new digital border check system, the Entry/Exit System (EES). In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, industry representatives stated that the EES implementation is causing significant delays, with passengers facing up to five-hour queues and flights departing half-full. They are urging for flexibility, including the possibility of suspending the system, to prevent further deterioration as the peak summer travel season approaches. The aviation sector anticipates a substantial increase in passenger numbers in July and August, and without adjustments, existing challenges are expected to intensify, negatively impacting travelers.

Airlines and airports are urging the European Commission to suspend the new EU biometric border check system during the peak summer holiday period. Industry groups, including ACI Europe, Airlines 4 Europe, and the International Air Transport Association, have warned of up to five-hour queues and flights departing half-full due to the system's implementation. They are requesting the ability to completely suspend these checks when passenger volumes exceed border control capacity in July and August. The new system requires non-EU citizens to register fingerprints and photographs, but its rollout has caused significant disruption, with some countries already suspending checks. The industry fears that excessive delays will deter international travelers, negatively impacting European tourism and the EU's reputation.

The head of Berlin Airport, Aletta von Massenbach, warns that the EU's new Entry-Exit System (EES) is causing unacceptably long queues for non-EU nationals, with waits of up to two hours reported. The EES, operational since April, requires travellers from outside the bloc to register biometric data, but airports and airlines claim it is not working efficiently. This system aims to modernize EU border control but has led to significant delays, with some passengers missing flights. Issues include inconsistent systems across member states and technology problems, as seen at the Port of Dover. Airlines and airport groups are urging the European Commission to implement contingency measures, as wait times have reached up to five hours in peak periods, potentially impacting summer travel.