Story perspectives

EU Biometric System Sparks Cancellations, Greece Suspends Checks

7/2/2026

Summary

EU System Disrupts

The EU Entry/Exit System caused five Manchester Airport flight cancellations and queues of up to five hours at UK hubs on 1 July 2026.
ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe and IATA wrote to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 1 July 2026 urging a halt to biometric checks.
Stefan Schulte warned at a Prague congress on 2 July 2026 that the system could collapse after September, leading Greece to suspend biometric checks for travelers until then.

Summary

WTTC Warns Delays

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) warned EES delays could jeopardize up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 bn in visitor spending.
President Gloria Guevara said prolonged queues risk diverting travellers to other destinations, harming Europe’s tourism competitiveness and the EU’s reputation.
Aviation lobby officials noted half-empty flights and missed connections could cause significant revenue losses for airlines and airports, despite the system being declared fully operational in April.

History

Historical Context

The Schengen Agreement, signed by five states on 14 June 1985, removed internal EU border checks in 1995 and was incorporated into EU law by the 1999 Amsterdam Treaty, creating a zone now covering 29 countries. The EU’s Entry/Exit System, fully operational 10 April 2026, records biometric data for non-EU travelers and is backed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while IATA, ACI Europe and Stefan Schulte object.

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EU System Disrupts

The EU Entry/Exit System caused five Manchester Airport flight cancellations and queues of up to five hours at UK hubs on 1 July 2026.
ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe and IATA wrote to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 1 July 2026 urging a halt to biometric checks.
Stefan Schulte warned at a Prague congress on 2 July 2026 that the system could collapse after September, leading Greece to suspend biometric checks for travelers until then.

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