The rollout of the EU Entry-Exit System delays is causing major disruption at airports across Europe, with travellers reportedly waiting up to three hours at border control as new biometric checks are enforced on non-EU passengers.
Airports in countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Greece have reported long queues since the system came into full operation, raising concerns about travel chaos ahead of the busy summer season.
Growing Airport Disruption Across Schengen Zone
Industry body Airports Council International Europe has warned that the EU Entry-Exit System delays could become unmanageable as passenger volumes increase.
Olivier Jankovec, director of ACI Europe, said current waiting times are already stretching airport capacity, particularly during peak travel periods.
Airports are seeing queues build even before the busiest months, signalling potential widespread disruption during summer holidays when traffic is expected to surge significantly.
What Is the EU Entry-Exit System?
The new system, known as the Entry-Exit System, was introduced across the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
It requires travellers from non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, to register personal details and biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans when entering or exiting the bloc.
The system is designed to strengthen border security, track overstays and replace manual passport stamping with a digital process.
Delays Hit Flights and Passenger Flow
The impact of EU Entry-Exit System delays has already been felt by travellers, with reports of passengers missing flights due to extended border processing times.
More than 100 passengers were recently unable to board a flight from Milan to Manchester after being delayed at passport control, highlighting the real-world consequences of the new checks.
Airlines and airport operators warn that such incidents could become more frequent if processing times are not reduced or operational flexibility is introduced.
Calls for Flexibility and Possible Suspension
ACI Europe has urged policymakers to introduce emergency measures to manage the EU Entry-Exit System delays, including the ability to temporarily suspend biometric checks during periods of excessive congestion.
Jankovec said airport operators need greater flexibility to avoid severe bottlenecks that could disrupt travel on a large scale.
Officials from the European Commission have acknowledged some early technical issues but insist the system is functioning well overall.
According to the commission, average processing time per passenger is around 70 seconds, although industry figures suggest it can take up to five minutes in practice.
Security Benefits vs Operational Challenges
Despite the disruption, the European Commission has defended the system, noting that it has already recorded more than 52 million entries and exits since its phased introduction, along with thousands of refused entries.
Authorities say the system has also helped identify hundreds of individuals considered potential security risks, reinforcing its role in strengthening border management.
However, the gap between theoretical processing times and real-world performance continues to fuel criticism from airlines and airport operators.
Airlines and Industry Leaders Voice Concerns
Senior figures in the aviation sector have been outspoken about the EU Entry-Exit System delays, warning of serious operational risks.
Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said queues at some airports have reached up to four hours and called for a delay in the system’s full implementation.
He argued that the current rollout is placing unnecessary strain on passengers and infrastructure, particularly in the context of post-Brexit travel requirements.
Additional Pressure from Energy and Supply Concerns
The disruption caused by the EU Entry-Exit System delays comes at a time when European airports are also facing potential fuel supply challenges linked to geopolitical tensions.
Concerns have been raised about jet fuel shortages following disruptions to global supply routes, particularly those linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor.
Europe consumes approximately 1.6 million barrels of jet fuel per day, with a significant portion imported from the Middle East, making the aviation sector vulnerable to external shocks.
Post-Brexit Travel and Border Changes
The introduction of the Entry-Exit System marks a major shift in how Europe manages its external borders, especially for UK travellers following Brexit.
Previously, British passengers could move through EU border controls relatively quickly, but the new system introduces additional steps that increase processing times.
The EES is also part of a broader EU strategy to modernise border management, which will later include the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), requiring visa-exempt travellers to obtain pre-travel authorisation.
As travel demand continues to recover and expand, the success of these systems will be critical in balancing security with efficiency.
The ongoing EU Entry-Exit System delays highlight the challenges of implementing large-scale digital border controls while maintaining smooth passenger flows across one of the world’s busiest travel regions.