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Travel Chaos: EU's Biometric Checks Cause Airport Delays

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

European airports face travel-chaos concerns caused by the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks.
Since October, the EES has produced delays, with queues up to seven hours at Lisbon and Prague.
The European Commission says the system has largely operated without issues, while travelers report long waits.
Airports brace for holiday congestion and events such as the Winter Olympics in Milan, and authorities urge contingency measures.

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Story summary

European airports face travel-chaos concerns caused by the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks.
Since October, the EES has produced delays, with queues up to seven hours at Lisbon and Prague.
The European Commission says the system has largely operated without issues, while travelers report long waits.
Airports brace for holiday congestion and events such as the Winter Olympics in Milan, and authorities urge contingency measures.