Airports and airlines have urged the European Commission and EU Member States to introduce additional flexibility in the operation of the Schengen Entry Exit System (EES), following disruption to passengers and flight schedules on the first days of full implementation.
Industry bodies ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E) reported delays, missed flights and operational difficulties across several airports in the Schengen area. The organisations had previously warned of challenges linked to the system’s rollout, and say these concerns have now materialised.
The European Commission stated that registering a traveller takes around 70 seconds when the system is operating as intended. However, early reports from airports and airlines indicate that the compulsory registration of all third-country nationals, combined with the removal of the option to fully suspend the system from 10 April, has placed pressure on border control processes.
On 10 April, passengers experienced waiting times of between two and three hours at border control during peak periods. These delays occurred despite the use of partial suspension measures, under which biometric data collection may be temporarily waived.
Airlines also reported disruption to flight operations. In one case, a flight to the United Kingdom departed with 51 passengers absent. Another flight remained without passengers at the gate closing time, and after 90 minutes, only 12 travellers had arrived at the gate.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, said:While we will continue to closely monitor developments in the coming days, it is already evident that greater flexibility is immediately needed. 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. Safeguarding Europe’s reputation as an accessible and well-functioning tourist and business destination is at stake, particularly as air travel is already facing significant disruption due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E) argue that border authorities should be permitted to fully suspend the system when waiting times become excessive, particularly during periods of high demand such as the summer travel season.
Both organisations have reiterated their support for the objectives of the EES, including improved border management. However, they said implementation should not compromise operational efficiency or the passenger experience.
They also noted that the disruption comes at a time when air travel is already affected by wider geopolitical developments, including the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
