Airlines angered by European airport chaos

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European airlines are among those to have issued a letter to European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing major operational disruption and threatening the smooth functioning of summer air travel.

While the aviation sector continues to support the objectives of the biometric border control system, industry leaders say its implementation is creating severe bottlenecks at external Schengen borders, resulting in excessive waiting times, flight disruptions and growing pressure on airports, airlines and border authorities.

According to the open letter, passengers are already experiencing waits of up to five hours at border control since the full implementation of the EES in April, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The delays are affecting millions of travellers, inconveniencing families, elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility, while airlines are reporting missed connections, delayed departures and mounting operational challenges for frontline staff.

The industry argues that these problems persist despite member states making use of temporary measures allowing border authorities to postpone biometric data collection until early September. 

Although intended to ease the transition, the flexibility has failed to eliminate long queues or prevent operational disruption.

With July and August expected to bring around 40 million more passengers through European airports than the previous two months, aviation organisations warn that the situation is likely to deteriorate rapidly unless additional action is taken.

The concerns extend beyond Europe’s largest hubs. Airports serving popular leisure destinations are also struggling to process arriving passengers efficiently, with travellers reportedly queuing outside terminal buildings while airlines face departures with passengers still waiting at immigration checkpoints.

Industry leaders also caution that prolonged border delays could damage Europe’s reputation as an attractive travel destination. 

They argue that reports of lengthy immigration queues are already discouraging some international visitors, potentially affecting tourism, air connectivity and the wider European economy.

The letter also challenges recent comments from the European Commission suggesting that long waiting times are primarily the result of airline scheduling and concentrated flight arrivals. 

Aviation stakeholders reject that explanation, noting that airline schedules are planned well in advance and that passenger demand patterns have long been predictable. They argue the EES rollout should have been designed to accommodate known traffic peaks rather than disrupt airport operations.

Why patience is a virtue at European airports right now

 

Heading to Europe this northern summer? Patience will be needed. 

Travellers using major European airports are being urged to get through passport control before browsing shops, grabbing a meal or heading to airport lounges. 

Disruption linked to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause major delays.

The warning comes after multiple reports of travellers missing flights due to lengthy queues at European border controls since the biometric system was fully introduced in April.

One of the most widely reported incidents saw an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester depart with just 34 passengers onboard after more than 120 travellers were unable to clear passport control in time. 

Some passengers reported waiting up to three hours despite arriving at the airport well in advance of departure.

Travel experts are warning that similar disruption could occur throughout the summer as passenger numbers increase across popular destinations including Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Greece.

Jürgen Himmelmann, co-founder at Global Work & Travel, said: "Many travellers still have the old airport mindset of arriving, checking in and then spending an hour shopping or having a meal before heading towards the gate.

"This summer, that could be a costly mistake.

"If you're travelling through an airport affected by EES checks, your priority should be getting through security and passport control as quickly as possible. The shops, restaurants and lounges can wait.

"A lot of airports now have food outlets, coffee shops and retail stores beyond passport control.

"Once you're through, you can relax. Until then, you're taking a risk because queues can build incredibly quickly and move far slower than people expect."

Under EES, non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, must have biometric information recorded when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The process includes passport verification alongside fingerprint and facial recognition checks.

Industry groups have warned that the system is creating significant bottlenecks at some airports. 

One of the biggest issues is unpredictability. Travellers know how long security usually takes. They know roughly how long bag drop takes but with EES, the experience can vary dramatically depending on the airport, staffing levels and how many first-time registrations are being processed.

Himmelmann's tips include: Arrive earlier than you normally would, particularly during school holidays and weekends; go directly to security and passport control after checking in; save shopping, dining and browsing until after you've cleared border checks; If you're travelling with children, allow extra time for delays.

See https://www.globalworkandtravel.com/

Image: Dmitry Bogdanov, Scop.io.

Why visitors to Europe may need to be patient from April

Travelers heading to Europe from next month could face longer airport queues as the EU rolls out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) across Schengen airports.

The change comes into place on April 10 and replaces passport stamps with biometric registration for non-EU travellers, including Britons, Americans, Canadians and Australians.

While designed to modernise border controls, the early weeks of implementation could mean longer processing times at major hubs, particularly during peak Easter and spring break travel.

“While the scheme is designed to modernise border controls and tighten security, the early days of the rollout could bring delays, especially at busy hubs such as Paris (Charles de Gaulle, above), Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at eSIM provider Saily.

From April 10, passport stamps will gradually disappear, first-time travellers under the new system will be required to register biometric data, airports may introduce new self-service kiosks and border checks could take longer during the transition period.

April marks the start of Europe’s high season for city breaks and long weekends. With more people travelling for Easter escapes and sunshine getaways, any added processing time at border control could quickly build up.

“Whenever a new airport system launches, there’s a natural adjustment period," Maknickas says.

"Spring is one of the busiest times for short haul travel into Europe.

"Travellers should allow extra time at arrival and be prepared for slightly slower border checks, particularly if it’s their first visit under the new system. When procedures change, small delays can create stress, especially in unfamiliar airports.”

Maknickas suggests allowing extra time for arrival, especially for tight connections, following airport signage carefully, as some terminals may introduce separate EES lanes and ensuring mobile connectivity on arrival to access boarding passes, transfer tickets and live travel updates.