The European Union's rollout of the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), launched across the 29-country Schengen Area last week, has been rocky to say the least.
Aimed at improving security while speeding up border processing—relying on biometrics rather than traditional passport stamping—the April 10 introduction of EES prompted hours-long lines with some travelers missing their flights as a result.
Now, airline groups in Europe are calling the new system a "failure" and urging EU officials to suspend the program until it can be implemented with fewer headaches.
"Three hours queuing at border control is not an EES 'teething issue.' It is a systemic failure," Airlines for Europe (A4E) said in a statement issued Monday.
"Airlines are working tirelessly to get flights to their destination on time—a top priority for passengers and airlines. But the EES rollout this weekend told a different story: disruption and excessive waiting time—all outside airlines’ control, leading to delays and missed flights."
"In just one example of many incidents, no passengers were on board at the gate closing time. After waiting 90 mins, 12 were still not boarded," A4E added.
"While European airlines are supportive of the overall objective of the EES to strengthen border security, it must not mean persistent and recurring travel disruptions," the group said. "The only feasible solution is for the European Commission to allow for the full and partial suspension of EES until the end of summer, where necessary."
Passport stamps are out. Biometric border checks are in as Europe rolls out its new Entry/Exit System. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock)
In a joint statement put out Friday, ACI EUROPE and A4E reported "significant disruption to flight operations, with passengers missing flights and delays due to prolonged border processing times" and argued that "greater flexibility is immediately needed."
"Border control authorities must be allowed to fully suspend the EES when waiting times become excessive," Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, stated. "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 duo added. "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."
The controversial EES first launched with a gradual rollout in October 2025, and was met with mixed reviews following a series of delays.
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