EU Entry/Exit System Under Fire as Airlines Warn of Four-Hour Airport Delays
Major airlines and airports are urging an urgent review of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) before summer 2026. Industry leaders warn that a full rollout could trigger severe delays at European airports.
ACI EUROPE, Airlines for Europe and International Air Transport Association have jointly raised concerns with EU officials. They warn that passengers could face waiting times of up to four hours at border control.
Airports Report Long Queues Before Full Rollout
The groups say waiting times already exceed two hours at several airports. This occurs despite EES not yet being fully operational.
Spanish airports have reported persistent congestion at border checkpoints. Long queues have also been recorded at Paris Orly Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Since January 9, authorities have processed 35 percent of third-country nationals under EES rules. These travellers must provide biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints.
Industry bodies say this partial rollout has already caused multi-hour delays. The next phase will increase registration to 50 percent of eligible passengers. By April 2026, authorities plan to make EES fully operational across the Schengen Area.
Staffing and Technology Issues Drive Disruption
Airlines and airports identify three major operational challenges. They cite chronic understaffing at border control points.
They also highlight technology failures at automated border gates and self-service kiosks. Problems with France’s Parafe e-gates remain unresolved.
The groups also criticize limited adoption of the Frontex pre-registration app. Some member states have only conducted exploratory discussions about implementation.
Industry leaders argue that mandatory full biometric checks during July and August could overwhelm airports. Passenger traffic typically doubles during peak summer months.
Industry Calls for Flexible Suspension Rules
The aviation bodies have asked the European Commission to allow countries to suspend EES temporarily until October 2026.
Current regulation allows partial or full suspension under exceptional circumstances until full implementation in April. After that, flexibility becomes more limited.
Countries may apply temporary six-hour suspensions if queues become excessive until July. Extensions until September may apply if biometric data collection remains incomplete. Airports and airlines want clearer assurances that flexibility will continue through peak season.
European Commission Defends EES Rollout
The European Commission says the system has not caused significant delays. Officials report 23 million entries and exits registered so far.
Commission representatives say the phased launch has addressed initial system adjustments. They also report 12,000 refusals of entry under the new system.
Industry leaders dispute this assessment. They argue that operational realities at airports differ from institutional perceptions.
They warn that unmanaged delays could damage Europe’s reputation as a welcoming destination. With full implementation scheduled before summer, airlines and airports are pushing for urgent adjustments. They say flexibility remains essential to prevent widespread disruption across Europe’s aviation network.