EES Rollout Sparks Airport Chaos Across Europe
This summer, European airports have become a theater of frustration. Instead of the anticipated jet fuel shortages that worried experts earlier, travelers are facing hours-long queues due to the rocky rollout of the EU's Entry and Exit System (EES).
Launched in April, the new system requires biometric checks for every passenger entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The goal is to track who comes and goes more precisely, but the reality has been massive backups at some of the continent's busiest hubs.
"Passengers and families should not be used as guinea pigs for a half-baked passport control system," said Ryanair in a public memo.
Industry Calls for Immediate Action
Airports and airlines are raising the alarm. In an open letter, European airports demanded "immediate intervention" by EU leaders, citing five-hour wait times at some hubs. Ryanair has explicitly called for the suspension of EES until September, arguing it's not ready for peak summer volumes.
The EU Commission, however, argues the impact is "limited" and blames member states for not deploying sufficient border guards and infrastructure. An urgent meeting has been called, but no suspension is in sight.
What Travelers Need to Know
If you're traveling to or from Europe this summer, here are key takeaways to avoid missing your flight:
Arrive Early – Even Earlier Than You Think
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight. Even seasoned travelers have reported barely making their gates. One journalist arrived nearly three hours early at Copenhagen Airport but still barely made his flight to the U.S.
Prepare for Queues, Not Just at Departure
- Long lines can happen both before departure and after arrival. Bring water and patience. In Copenhagen, the border control area was poorly air-conditioned during a heatwave.
Don't Overstay in Lounges
- Check the border control queue before settling into a lounge or restaurant. The wait might be longer than you expect, and missing your gate is a real risk.
The Bottom Line
As summer travel peaks, the EES rollout continues to disrupt travel. Unless EU member states rapidly deploy more border guards or the system is temporarily suspended, travelers should expect significant delays across Schengen airports.
Plan accordingly, stay informed, and pack extra patience.