Aviation groups have warned that the full implementation of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) has resulted in longer waiting times of up to three hours and a significant number of passengers missing their flights.
The biometric system, which must be used by passport holders of third countries entering one of the 29 Schengen Area members, was made fully operational for the first time on Friday (10 April) after a six-month transition period.
Airports group ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe (A4E) said the first full day of EES was “marked by passenger disruptions, delays and missed flights”. They restated their demand for the EU to “introduce additional flexibility” to reduce this disruption for passengers, including being able to fully suspend the system when necessary.
ACI Europe and A4E said that passengers had to endure waiting times of two to three hours at airport border control during Friday’s peak travel periods, despite border authorities making “extensive use” of partial EES suspension measures.
The groups also highlighted “significant disruption” to flights with passengers missing flights and delayed departures due to longer border queues. They cited one flight to the UK, which was missed by 51 passengers, while another flight had boarded no passengers at gate closing time.
“While we will continue to closely monitor developments in the coming days, it is already evident that greater flexibility is immediately needed,”said Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E’s managing director in a joint statement.
“Border control authorities must be allowed to fully suspend the EES when waiting times become excessive. This is essential not only in the coming weeks, but throughout the peak summer travel season.
“Our support for the EES and its objectives is unwavering. However, strengthening border management must not come at the expense of operational efficiency or the passenger experience.”
The European Commission has continued to insist that it is giving the 29 participating countries “certain flexibilities” and “fall-back solutions” to avoid excessive queues this summer.