European aviation sector wants to adjust border controls after prolonged problems
European aviation organizations are demanding reforms to the EES border system, including more automated gates and the ability to suspend biometric checks during peak congestion. The system, implemented in April, has frequently caused excessive wait times at airports, leading to missed flights and logistical disruptions across the continent.
The European aviation sector is calling for significant adjustments to border control procedures following the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Industry bodies, including ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe, are requesting the removal of redundant checks and the installation of more automated border gates to alleviate congestion. They suggest that nations should have the flexibility to temporarily suspend biometric data collection, such as fingerprinting and facial scanning, during periods of extreme wait times to prevent overcrowding in airport terminals.
Since the EES replaced traditional passport stamping across 29 countries in April, airports have struggled with severe delays, sometimes reaching up to five hours. These bottlenecks have caused numerous passengers to miss flights, leading to logistical challenges such as the use of temporary tents at some locations and reports of unacceptable wait times at major hubs like Schiphol. Industry leaders blame these ongoing issues on technical malfunctions, insufficient automated infrastructure, staffing shortages, and a lack of effective pre-registration tools.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
