Key Takeaways:
- EES delays cause up to 5-hour waits at EU airports; 108 million people processed since Oct 2025.
- Von der Leyen says technical issues need resolution with member states.
- Airlines and airports demand suspension of checks during peak traffic; industry meeting set for July 7.
EES Rollout Faces Turbulence
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted on Friday that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) has serious technical flaws. "There's still quite a lot of work to do," she said, as airports reported chaos at borders.
The system, introduced in late 2025, replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks. It tracks overstays and entry refusals, but the transition has been bumpy.
Why the Delays Matter
European airports and airlines warn that wait times can stretch up to five hours. The ACI Europe airports group, airline association A4E, and the International Air Transport Association jointly called for urgent action.
"If you're unhappy, then join the Schengen area," an EU official quipped, defending the reform.
Since October 2025, 108 million travelers have passed through EES. Of these, 44,000 were denied entry—mostly due to missing documents or visas. Yet, the system's efficiency remains a sore point for the industry.
Summer Travel Fears
Europe's airports expect 40 million extra passengers this summer. Airlines fear the EES will compound delays, especially at major hubs like Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
- Airports request full suspension of new checks during peak hours.
- The European Commission meets industry reps on July 7 to assess the situation.
- Brussels insists most airports see limited impact, pointing to member-state consent for the reform.
What's Next for Travelers?
For now, passengers should brace for longer waits. The EU plans to refine EES, but von der Leyen's comments suggest no quick fix. Travelers are advised to arrive extra early this summer.
The EES applies to all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland in the Schengen area.
Bottom line: The EES is a work in progress. Whether Europe can avoid a travel meltdown depends on timely fixes and political will.