Key facts
- Airlines and airports have urged the European Commission to suspend new biometric border checks.
- The request is made during the peak summer holiday travel period.
- Extreme queues are being reported at airports.
- Flights are departing half-full due to processing delays.
- The delays are attributed to the new biometric border check system.
Airlines and airports have issued an urgent plea to the European Commission, requesting the suspension of its newly implemented biometric border check system. The appeal comes amid significant disruption during the peak summer holiday travel period, characterized by extreme queues at airports. Carriers report that flights are departing with numerous empty seats because passengers are unable to reach their gates on time due to the processing delays associated with the new system. This situation is causing considerable chaos and frustration for travelers attempting to navigate the enhanced security measures. The industry's concern is that the current implementation of the biometric checks is not equipped to handle the volume of travelers during peak seasons, leading to a cascade of delays and cancellations. Airlines are particularly worried about the economic impact of these delays, including lost revenue from no-show passengers and increased operational costs. The call for a suspension highlights a growing tension between the EU's security objectives and the practical realities of managing large-scale passenger flows during busy travel times.