European Airlines Warn of Summer Travel Disruptions Due to New Border Checks

European airlines and airport organizations have raised concerns regarding the new Entry/Exit System (EES) implemented in the Schengen area, which began its rollout on October 12, 2025. The EES aims to enhance border security by requiring non-EU nationals to provide biometric data, such as photographs and fingerprints, at their first point of entry. This system is designed to replace traditional passport stamping and improve information-sharing among the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

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In a joint letter addressed to Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed their alarm over the potential for "severe disruption" during the peak summer travel months. They warned that without immediate action to address existing issues, waiting times at border checks could exceed four hours. Currently, travelers are already experiencing delays of up to two hours due to chronic understaffing and unresolved technological problems related to the EES.

The Straits Times

The aviation industry groups have urged the European Commission to reconsider the EES implementation timeline, particularly as tourism traffic is expected to surge in July and August. They highlighted that only Sweden has adopted the Frontex pre-registration app, which is intended to facilitate smoother border crossings, while other Schengen countries have yet to utilize it effectively. The groups emphasized the disconnect between the EU's perception of the EES's functionality and the reality faced by travelers.

The Local (Spain)

A spokesperson for the European Commission indicated that Schengen countries have the authority to partially suspend EES operations during the summer to mitigate travel chaos. This suspension could last for an additional 90 days, with a possible 60-day extension. However, airline and airport representatives are advocating for more flexibility in the system's rollout to adapt to the operational realities of increased summer traffic.

The Local (Spain)

Critics within the aviation sector argue that the current EES rollout is not adequately prepared for the anticipated influx of travelers. They stress that the system must be adaptable to ensure a positive experience for non-EU visitors and to maintain the EU's reputation as an efficient and welcoming destination. The groups have called for immediate action to resolve the critical issues affecting border control to prevent significant delays during the busy summer months.

The Local (Spain)

• “Failing immediate action to provide sufficient flexibility, severe disruptions over the peak summer months are a real prospect, with queues potentially reaching four hours or more,” — Joint letter from ACI Europe, A4E, and IATA

The Straits Times

• “Leaders of airport and airlines group said in a joint statement: “There is a complete disconnect between the perception of the EU institutions that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience.” — Leaders of airport and airline groups

The Local (Spain)

The situation surrounding the EES remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about how to best manage the implementation to ensure a smooth travel experience for millions of visitors to Europe.

The Local (Spain)