EU's New Border System Triggers Airport Gridlock and Passenger Frustration
Airports across Europe are experiencing significant disruptions as queues lengthen due to the implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), a biometric security measure introduced in October. Travellers from outside the EU, including British citizens, are facing extended processing times, with reports of missed flights highlighting systemic issues in coordination between airlines and border authorities.
Passenger Ordeals and Missed Connections
One family of four missed their easyJet flight from Málaga to London despite arriving three hours before departure, as advised by the airport. The bag drop-off did not open until two hours before the flight, and it took 47 minutes to check luggage due to EES-related queues. This left only 53 minutes to clear security and reach the gate, an impossible task with young children and security backlogs. Five other passengers also failed to board, underscoring widespread problems.
How the EES System Works and Its Impact
The EES requires non-EU travellers to have their photo and fingerprints taken and registered at the border, even if submitted on an outward journey. Aimed at preventing overstays, it has increased security processing times by 70%, according to the Airports Council International. Incidents like Lisbon airport suspending the system in December after seven-hour waits illustrate the severity. Airlines, such as easyJet, maintain inflexible bag drop windows, exacerbating delays despite acknowledging abnormal queues.
Industry Responses and Lack of Solutions
When questioned, easyJet admitted to no plans to change its two-hour bag drop window, offering only "rescue fares" for stranded passengers—costing one family an additional £1,000. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) cited "operational, regulatory, and commercial realities" preventing a unified approach, warning of operational risks before the summer peak. It has urged EU states to suspend EES during peak periods and increase staffing, but no immediate changes are expected.
Practical Advice for Travellers
To avoid missing flights, experts recommend travelling light by squeezing all belongings into a cabin bag to skip luggage check-in. This bypasses the bag drop delays, though it may not be feasible for all trips. Passengers are advised to allow extra time, but as cases show, this is ineffective if airline policies remain rigid.
The rollout of EES continues to spark concerns over summer travel disruption, with calls for better coordination between airlines, airports, and EU authorities to mitigate the chaos.
