New EU Border Control System Threatens Long Airport Queues for Summer Travel
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Airports Council International Europe warns the new Entry-Exit System (EES) could cause five-to-six-hour passport control queues this summer, impacting non-EU travelers.
Key Takeaways
- •Progressive rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES) began October 2025; full implementation is set for April 10, 2026.
- •ACI Europe reports EES has increased border control processing times by up to 70%, with peak queues reaching three hours.
- •The European Commission allows member states to partially suspend EES operations for up to 90 days (plus a 60-day extension) to manage summer congestion.
- •The system requires non-EU citizens to register biometric data (fingerprints and photo) upon first entry to the Schengen area.
The introduction of the new EU border control system is causing significant concern. Airports and travel groups warn of potential long European airport queues this summer. The new digital Entry-Exit System (EES) is currently rolling out. It is already creating bottlenecks at border control points across Europe.
Entry-Exit System Delays and Operational Issues
The EES is a biometric border system designed to modernize border checks. It replaces the manual stamping of passports for non-EU citizens. The progressive rollout began on October 12, 2025. Full mandatory implementation is scheduled for April 10, 2026.
This system requires non-EU citizen registration. Travelers must provide fingerprints and a facial photo. This happens the first time they enter the Schengen free-movement zone. This registration lasts for three years.
Impact on Passenger Processing Time
Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) represents over 600 airports. The group has raised serious alarms. ACI Europe reported in December 2025 that passenger processing time had increased by up to 70%. This increase is due to the new EES procedures. Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, stated that processing time had increased by "four to five times." He noted people typically wait up to two hours.
Peak waiting times have already reached three hours at some airports. This is severely impacting the passenger experience. Airports in France, Germany, Greece, and Spain are among those affected.
Specific airports have already reported major issues. Geneva Airport (GVA) blamed the EES for "congestion." This was especially true on Saturdays during the busy ski season. Long waits have also been reported at Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Travel agents note the new system created "even more bottlenecks" in already challenged areas.
Warnings of Summer Holiday Travel Chaos
ACI Europe warns the situation will worsen during peak periods. The group fears five-to-six-hour waiting times this summer. This could happen if current EES operational issues are not resolved. Problems include technical outages and staff shortages. The lack of working self-service kiosks is also an issue.
Markus Lammert, a European Commission Spokesperson for Internal Affairs, countered these claims. He insisted the system has operated "largely without issues." He noted 23 million entries and exits have been registered.
Flexibility for Border Control Suspension
To mitigate the risk of summer holiday travel chaos, the European Commission has offered flexibility. Member states can partially suspend EES operations after the April 10 deadline.
- The suspension period is for an additional 90 days.
- A possible 60-day extension can cover the summer peak.
- This flexibility is intended to manage potential extended queues.
ACI Europe stated this border control suspension would be necessary. It would prevent the situation from becoming "unsustainable." Travel associations urge border authorities to use this ability more often. They stress the need for better planning for peak travel periods. Passengers are advised to plan for long waits. They should ensure they have refreshments and entertainment for children. This is especially important during peak travel times.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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