The European Union’s entry/exit system (EES), designed to modernize border controls by electronically tracking travelers and enhancing security, has faced significant operational challenges since its rollout began in October 2023. Intended to replace fragmented manual checks across the bloc’s 27 member states, the system aims to collect biometric data—including fingerprints and photographs—from non-EU travelers arriving at EU borders. However, nearly a year after its introduction, multiple airports report persistent delays, long queues, and disruptions affecting passengers and airlines.

The EES, which the European Commission says has so far registered over 108 million entries and exits and prevented approximately 43,700 unauthorized entries—among them over 1,100 security threats—was heralded as a major step forward in securing external EU borders. Yet operational problems have emerged rapidly. Airports in Rome described the situation as disastrous, while Greek island checkpoints have scaled back checks to reduce wait times. EasyJet’s chief executive Kenton Jarvis criticized the delays, arguing that member states had ample time since 2017 to prepare adequately.

Airline executives and airport operators have expressed mounting frustration. Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s operations chief, noted that the EES is “still not ready for peak summer volumes,” warning of long queues, missed flights, and increased passenger stress. There are widespread reports of flights departing with many passengers still stuck in border controls due to delays. Milan’s Linate airport saw an easyJet flight leave with only 34 of 156 ticketed passengers after an hour-long hold to allow some travelers through, constrained by crew work-hour limits. Similar experiences were reported at Athens, London, and other key hubs.

Several issues have contributed to the difficulties. Member states retained national software systems and procurement responsibilities, connecting them to a central EU platform, creating integration problems and technical glitches. For example, some fingerprint-scanning kiosks failed to function properly in hot conditions, and at the Eurostar terminal in London, new kiosks are still unused due to unresolved software bugs that prevent data transmission to French border authorities.

Industry experts criticize the EU’s approach to implementation, highlighting insufficient testing and lack of unified coordination in a system designed for 27 distinct national authorities. Airports and airlines warn the disruptions may worsen in the upcoming busy summer travel season, when passenger volumes peak, potentially impacting the tourism industry critical to Europe’s economy. Some airlines report a 33% increase in delays linked directly to border checks, raising concerns about cascading schedule disruptions and potential compensation claims under EU passenger rights regulations.

In response, several member states have introduced temporary measures, such as suspending photo and fingerprint collection during peak times to speed processing. However, these adjustments are due to expire in September, prompting calls from governments and industry groups for extensions. The European Commission acknowledges ongoing technical issues and is working with member states to resolve them, with a planned meeting with airport executives set for next week.

Despite the operational difficulties, officials including the EU border agency Frontex maintain confidence in the system’s eventual benefits, suggesting processing times will improve as travelers become familiar with the procedures. However, the balance between enhanced border security and maintaining efficient cross-border travel remains contentious. Industry representatives emphasize that the system rollout must align with capacity to avoid further disruption, underscoring the necessity for coordinated solutions in the months ahead.