The EU entry-exit system is causing significant disruption at European airports, with passengers facing delays of up to three hours at border control as the new biometric checks continue to roll out across Schengen countries.
Long queues at European airports
The EU entry-exit system has led to extended waiting times at airports in countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Greece, according to the Airports Council International (ACI).
Airport authorities say passengers from non-EU countries, including the UK, are experiencing the longest delays as they are required to register personal data and biometric information at border control.
New biometric checks under EES rollout
The EU entry-exit system, known as EES, officially came into effect on 10 April across Schengen states, which include most EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The system requires travellers from outside the EU to scan passports, provide fingerprints and submit facial data upon entry. It has been gradually introduced since October but is now fully active in several locations, contributing to bottlenecks at busy airports.
Airports warn of operational strain
Airports Council International Europe has warned that the EU entry-exit system could become “unmanageable” during peak summer travel, with officials reporting queue times stretching to several hours.
The organisation has urged EU authorities to allow greater flexibility, including the option to temporarily suspend biometric checks during extreme congestion.
Airport representatives say registration can take between 70 seconds and five minutes per passenger, depending on technical conditions and staffing levels.
Airlines raise concerns over delays
Airlines have also raised concerns about the impact of the EU entry-exit system on operations, with reports of missed flights and boarding disruptions due to long passport control queues.
Some industry figures have warned that the situation could worsen during peak travel months if no adjustments are made to the system’s implementation.
European Commission response
The European Commission has defended the rollout of the EU entry-exit system, stating that it is operating effectively in most member states and that average processing times remain within expected limits.
Officials acknowledged that some technical issues have been identified in certain countries but said these are being addressed, adding that responsibility for implementation lies with individual member states.
Also read: UK passport fees to exceed £100 under new plans
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