Chaos at European Airports Following EES Rollout

The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) officially became fully operational on April 10, 2026, after a phased rollout that began in October 2025. The EES aims to enhance border security by requiring non-EU nationals to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, upon entry into the Schengen Area, which comprises 25 of the EU's 27 member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. However, the system's implementation has led to significant operational challenges, resulting in extensive delays at airports across Europe.

EU Entry Exit System now up and running in 29 countries: what we know so farThe Sydney Morning HeraldNationalWorldThe Guardian

Reports indicate that passengers are experiencing wait times of up to three hours at border checks in major airports, including those in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The Airports Council International (ACI) has highlighted that these delays are particularly severe during peak travel periods, with some flights departing without passengers due to prolonged processing times. For instance, an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester left with over 100 passengers still waiting in line. The ACI has called for the European Commission to allow for the suspension of EES registration during excessive waiting times to alleviate the strain on airport operations.

Chaos at European airports as new border system triggers long delays

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has been vocal in his criticism of the EES, labeling it a "shambles" and attributing some of the delays to Brexit-related tensions. He has suggested that the EU should postpone the full implementation of the system until October 2026. Industry groups, including ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe (A4E), have echoed these concerns, urging EU authorities to introduce operational flexibility to mitigate disruptions. They argue that while the EES is intended to improve border management, its current execution is causing significant inconvenience and operational inefficiencies.

ChronicleLive | Newcastle ChronicleThe GuardianFirst day of EU Entry Exit System (EES) disruption spark calls for flexibilityChaos at European airports as new border system triggers long delays

The European Commission maintains that the EES is functioning well in most member states, asserting that the average registration time for a passenger is approximately 70 seconds. However, the ACI contends that real-world conditions often result in longer processing times, particularly at high-traffic airports. The Commission has acknowledged some technical issues but insists that these are being addressed.

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Discrepancies exist regarding the actual processing times and the effectiveness of the EES. While the European Commission claims that the system operates efficiently, industry feedback suggests that delays are prevalent, with some passengers reporting waits exceeding two hours. Additionally, the ability of border authorities to suspend the EES during peak times has been limited since the full rollout, raising concerns about future operational capacity as summer travel approaches.

EU border system causes 3-hour airport delays

As the summer travel season approaches, the pressure is mounting on EU authorities to implement necessary adjustments to the EES. Both airlines and airport operators are advocating for continued flexibility in the system's application to prevent further disruptions. The upcoming months will be critical in determining whether the EES can achieve its intended goals of improved border security and efficiency without compromising the passenger experience.

First day of EU Entry Exit System (EES) disruption spark calls for flexibility