Europe’s airport chief has expressed concerns about the growing delays caused by a new EU border system as the upcoming holiday season approaches. Stefan Schulte, president of ACI Europe, raised the alarm during an industry event in Prague, highlighting that passengers are facing long queues during peak hours, posing challenges for airports in managing the expected surge in traffic.
The EU recently implemented the new Entry-Exit System (EES), requiring non-EU passengers to register biometric data when entering and leaving most European countries. While some airports have smoothly adapted to the system, many others have reported significant delays and flight disruptions.
In a recent incident at Athens airport, approximately 20 passengers missed their London-bound flight due to lengthy queues, even without the EES in operation. Schulte criticized the system’s functionality, calling for flexibility to suspend it when necessary to prevent chaos and maintain efficiency.
The European Commission, responsible for overseeing the EES, has allowed airports to temporarily halt the system under certain circumstances until September. However, Schulte warned of potential system failures during the extended busy summer travel period if immediate action is not taken by governments to address the issues.
Earlier discussions in Greece over exemptions for biometric checks sparked confusion, with conflicting statements from officials. Passengers have been advised to allocate extra time for processing through the new system, as varying experiences have been reported across different airport locations.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers while upholding the EU’s reputation as a welcoming destination. The call for flexibility and effective management of the EES reflects the ongoing efforts to address operational challenges and streamline border control procedures.