Aviation Industry Demands EU Suspend Full EES Implementation
Europe's leading aviation organisations have issued a stark warning to the European Union: suspend the full implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES) or face passport control waits of up to four hours for British travellers this summer. The digital borders scheme, which requires biometric data from non-EU citizens, is already causing significant delays despite its gradual rollout.
"Massive Delays and Inconvenience" Reported
In a joint letter to EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, aviation leaders from Airports Council International Europe, Airlines for Europe, and the International Air Transport Association have detailed what they describe as "persistent excessive waiting times of up to two hours" at airport border controls. This is occurring even though only about 35 percent of non-EU travellers are currently being screened under the EES system.
The letter states: "There is a complete disconnect between the perception of the EU institutions that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience."
Three Critical Issues Identified
The aviation industry has identified three primary problems compounding EES delays:
- Chronic border control understaffing at key entry points
- Unresolved technology issues with border automation systems
- Limited uptake of the Frontex pre-registration app by Schengen states
These issues are particularly concerning as half-term approaches, with specific worries about frontier systems at Geneva airport - the gateway to Alpine ski resorts for thousands of British holidaymakers - and the Canary Islands.
EU Commission Defends Progressive Rollout
Markus Lammert, European Commission spokesperson for Internal Affairs, defended the EES implementation at a recent briefing, stating: "The entry-exit system was successfully launched across member states in a progressive approach in October last year. This is a very big step forward for the EU in our collective security."
Lammert highlighted that 23 million entries and exits have been registered so far, with all major airports connected and 12,000 refusals of entry recorded. He acknowledged the complexity of rolling out such a large-scale system but maintained that initial challenges have been addressed and the system is operating "largely without major issues."
Summer Travel Season Concerns
The aviation leaders' warning comes at a critical time, with the summer peak travel season approaching. They state unequivocally: "Unless immediate action is taken to resolve these critical issues, mandatory EES registrations of all border crossings during the peak summer season, in particular in July and August, would result in waiting times of up to four hours or more."
They are requesting that the European Commission confirm Schengen Member States will retain the ability to partially or totally suspend EES until the end of October 2026 to avoid travel chaos during the busiest travel months.
The EES requires "third-country nationals," including UK passport holders, to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics on their first entry to the Schengen area. For subsequent entries, only one biometric is required. The system began its rollout in October 2025 and is scheduled to be fully implemented by 9 April, though the Commission has indicated flexibility could extend the gradual rollout period until September if needed.
