Key facts
- Airlines and airports are calling for the suspension of the new EU biometric border check system during the peak summer holiday period.
- Industry groups cited queues of up to five hours and flights departing half-full due to processing delays.
- A letter was sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting the suspension.
- Greece has already suspended biometric checks for British travelers until September to mitigate disruption.
- The industry warns that excessive border delays are undermining Europe's reputation and tourism.
Airlines and airports have formally requested that the European Commission suspend its new biometric border check system during the peak summer holiday season, citing significant disruptions and potential damage to European tourism.
In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, industry bodies including ACI Europe, Airlines 4 Europe, and the International Air Transport Association warned that the current system is creating "unsustainable pressure" and leading to queues of up to five hours. This is resulting in flights departing half-full, with some passengers being left behind.
The groups are seeking the option to "completely suspend" checks whenever passenger volumes exceed the operational capacity of border control facilities during July and August. They highlighted that the system, which requires non-EU citizens to provide fingerprints and a photograph, has already faced implementation issues.
Greece has temporarily suspended biometric checks for British travelers until September, and Rome's airport head has also indicated a need to suspend the system to avoid summer chaos. The industry fears that excessive border delays are causing international travelers to reconsider trips to Europe, thereby undermining the continent's reputation and connectivity.
The letter also called for flexibility to continue suspending checks beyond August under exceptional circumstances, as the rules allowing for some flexibility are set to be phased out in September. The industry groups emphasized the need for immediate intervention before the situation deteriorates further during the busy travel period.