Full Breakdown
Long Queues at Airports: IT Issues and New Entry-Exit System Challenges
10/21/2025, 4:43:18 AM
London Stansted Airport Faces Delays Due to IT Issues
On October 20, 2023, London Stansted Airport issued a warning to passengers regarding extended security queue times following an IT issue that affected the availability of some security lanes. The airport, which ranks as the UK's fourth busiest, apologized for the inconvenience and advised travelers to arrive early to accommodate potential delays. Despite the IT problems, flights continued to operate normally, and the airport thanked passengers for their patience during the disruption.
Europe's New Entry-Exit System Causes Significant Delays
The recent implementation of the European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2023, has resulted in long delays at various airports across Europe. The EES requires non-EU travelers to register biometric details, including fingerprints and photographs, leading to processing times that have varied dramatically. Reports indicate wait times of up to three hours at major airports such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Brussels Airport, and Geneva Airport, where passengers have expressed frustration over the lengthy queues.
In contrast, some airports, like Václav Havel Airport in Prague, have adapted more swiftly to the new system, with reports of processing times as short as 20 seconds. However, many travelers have experienced significant delays due to technical issues and manual processing, as kiosks failed to sync with EU databases. This has raised concerns about the system's efficiency and the potential for future disruptions, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Criticism and Passenger Frustration
Passengers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the EES, describing their experiences as "a traveller's worst nightmare." At Geneva Airport, one traveler reported waiting over two hours due to insufficient operational kiosks and a lack of communication from airport staff. Similar sentiments were echoed by travelers at other airports, who faced chaotic scenes and inadequate support during the transition to the new system.
Industry leaders had previously warned against launching the EES during peak travel times, predicting a "bumpy" winter. Critics argue that the system's rollout has been poorly managed, leading to confusion and frustration among travelers.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the delays, an EU spokesperson acknowledged the "teething problems" associated with the EES but expressed confidence in future improvements as staff adapt and technical fixes are implemented. Meanwhile, London Stansted Airport reiterated its commitment to resolving the IT issues and minimizing the impact on travelers.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While some airports have reported successful adaptations to the EES, others continue to struggle with long wait times and technical difficulties. The discrepancies in processing times and experiences across different airports highlight the uneven implementation of the system. Additionally, the full impact of the EES on travel patterns remains uncertain, as many travelers reconsider their plans in light of the delays.
What's Next
As the EES continues to roll out across the Schengen Area, airports are under pressure to refine their processes and improve communication with travelers. The EU aims to have the system fully operational by April 2026, coinciding with high-traffic events such as the Paris Olympics. In the meantime, travelers are advised to remain informed about potential delays and to consider travel insurance to mitigate unexpected disruptions.
