Key facts
- The new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is causing significant delays and missed flights at European airports.
- The European airports lobby group, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, has warned of the system's impact.
- ACI Europe is urging politicians to suspend the EES to avoid chaos during the peak holiday season.
- The EES requires the collection of biometric data from travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area.
- The system's rollout has been affected by technical issues and a lack of preparedness.
- Airlines and travel industry representatives are concerned about passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is causing widespread disruption at European airports, leading to significant delays and missed flights. Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, the region's airports lobby group, has issued a strong warning and is urging politicians to suspend the system. ACI Europe states that the EES is not yet ready for full implementation and that its current operational status is causing "chaos" at airports. The group's primary concern is the potential for the system to exacerbate problems during the upcoming peak holiday season, a period already characterized by high passenger volumes and operational strain. The EES requires the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, from travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area. However, the rollout has been plagued by technical issues and a lack of preparedness, resulting in lengthy queues and processing times. Airlines and other travel industry stakeholders have echoed these concerns, highlighting the negative impact on passenger experience and the potential for significant operational inefficiencies. The call for suspension comes as airports grapple with the system's integration and the need to ensure smooth passenger flow, especially during peak travel times. The current situation risks undermining confidence in air travel and could lead to substantial economic losses for the aviation sector if not addressed promptly. The lobby group emphasizes that a suspension would allow for necessary adjustments and testing to ensure the EES functions effectively without compromising passenger service or airport operations.