Airports, the new system lengthens the queues: the EU ready for suspension

Times of suitcases and travel, but also of queues at the airport for those who decide to travel to Non-EU countries. As reported by some airlines, including Ryanair, the new passport control system (Entry/Exit System – EES) is being created queues and delays at European airports.

The birth of the system and its development

The EES was conceived dafter the 2015 attacksas a response to the need for more controls strict at external borders. The system has been operational since October 2025, with a six-month roll-out phase to allow Member States to adapt procedures, organization and infrastructure. The European automated system registers entries, exits and entry refusals of third-country nationals traveling in the Schengen area for short-term stays (maximum 90 days out of 180). Collects both personal data and biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos), with the aim of strengthen security, prevent overstayers and identify people who try to enter with different identities. The Irish low-cost company, in a press release, pointed the finger at the airports of Milan Bergamo, Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Krakow and Paris Beauvaiswhich are already experiencing severe inconveniences, “with further congestion expected as we enter the busiest weeks of the summer”.

The disservices

In reality, according to an EU source, there are around twenty border crossings affected by the inconveniences, all of a regional naturetherefore not used to managing large flows of passengers. However, lThe Commission is working with the national authorities to help them identify the causes of disservices and overcome them. “In some airports, currently, It takes five hours to get through security!” complained Olivier Jankovec, director general of the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe. For this reason the Commission convened the aviation representatives per discuss the situation. According to what we learn from an EU source, before the peak of travelers in August the European Commission, repeatedly requested, decided togive states the possibility of suspending electronic monitoring until Septemberreturning to the old stamp in the passport carried out by police personnel. The Commission stressed that it is working with Member States, airports and airlines to reduce waits, simplify procedures, increase the use of automatic gates, strengthen border police resources and mobilize Frontex personnel.

Furthermore, it was recalled that Member States must use theto suspension provided for by law when the queues get too long. “Frontex is also ready to deploy staff at the busiest airports and help implement the new pre-registration app developed for all Member States,” he explained. Commission spokesman Markus Lammert in recent days during a midday briefing.