Story perspectives

Airlines Urge EU to Suspend Faulty Entry/Exit System

6/3/2026

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Airlines Urge Suspension

Airport and airline groups have urged the European Commission to suspend the Entry/Exit System this summer, citing overwhelming border operations.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System kiosks are malfunctioning, creating long queues and flight delays at European airports.
Wizz Air UK told passengers to arrive three hours early, bring chargers due to passport checks.
Australia’s Smartraveller warned of four- to six-hour waits, urging travelers mobility or issues to seek assistance.

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Split Airport Delays

At Split Airport, Croatia, biometric kiosks forced travelers to repeat fingerprint and facial scans at a desk, erasing speed gains.
Travelers at Split Airport experienced duplicate fingerprint and facial checks, leading to delays while kiosk malfunctions continued.
The EU entry/exit system stores travelers’ biometric data electronically, replacing traditional passport stamps.
Shortages and glitches during transition can cause waits of hours and Etias visa-waiver due 2026.

History

Historical Context

After five states signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985 and abolished internal checks in 1995, the EU introduced the Entry/Exit System, fully operational on 10 April 2026. Croatia’s accession to Schengen on 1 January 2023 extended those rules to Split Airport, where malfunctioning EES kiosks now force duplicate biometric scans, echoing the early challenges of harmonising border procedures.

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Airlines Urge Suspension

Airport and airline groups have urged the European Commission to suspend the Entry/Exit System this summer, citing overwhelming border operations.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System kiosks are malfunctioning, creating long queues and flight delays at European airports.
Wizz Air UK told passengers to arrive three hours early, bring chargers due to passport checks.
Australia’s Smartraveller warned of four- to six-hour waits, urging travelers mobility or issues to seek assistance.

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