Brussels is facing increasing pressure to suspend its new border control system for British travelers ahead of the summer holiday season to avoid significant travel disruptions. Aviation industry leaders have warned that the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been fully implemented since April, is causing extensive delays at passport controls, with waiting times reaching up to five hours at several European airports.
The EES requires travelers from third-party countries, including the United Kingdom, to have their biometric data—fingerprints and a photograph—collected when entering the Schengen Area. This system operates at approximately 1,700 border crossing points across 29 mostly EU countries. The added security measures aim to enhance border management but have reportedly led to long queues, operational strain on border authorities, and delays disrupting the travel plans of millions.
Senior officials from three major aviation organizations sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that current border procedures are causing “severe operational consequences” and putting airports, airlines, and border staff under "unsustainable pressure." The letter also highlighted that the situation threatens the reputation of Europe as a holiday destination and warned of the risk of flights departing with many empty seats due to travelers being held up in queues.
Airports in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy have been cited as particularly affected by the delays. While EU member states can temporarily suspend biometric data collection at busy border points under existing flexibility measures until September, this option has not sufficiently prevented long wait times, according to the aviation leaders.
Industry representatives, including Luke Petherbridge from travel trade group Abta, acknowledged that five-hour waits are not the norm but emphasized they are nonetheless significant enough to warrant urgent action. Petherbridge urged the European Commission to intervene promptly to prevent further disruptions as travel volume peaks during the summer.
In response, European Commission officials have stated that all necessary efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the EES on travelers. However, no immediate decision has been announced regarding a suspension or modification of the system.
The controversy around the EES highlights the challenges of implementing new border security protocols while balancing efficiency and traveler experience, especially in a post-Brexit context where the United Kingdom is no longer part of the Schengen visa-free area. The situation remains under close observation as Europe enters the high travel season.