Key Takeaways:
- Major European aviation groups warn of potential 4-hour queues at Schengen border checks this summer due to the new EES system.
- They are calling for an immediate review of the implementation timeline, citing chronic understaffing and unresolved tech issues.
- The EU Commission has offered a partial suspension option for the summer, but airlines argue this is insufficient and lacks flexibility.
Aviation Industry Sounds Alarm Over EES Delays
Europe's leading airlines and airport operators have issued a stark warning: the ongoing rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) risks causing severe travel disruptions this summer. In a joint letter to the European Commission, groups including Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that "severe disruptions over the peak summer months are a real prospect."
They project that queues at Schengen external border checks could reach four hours or more if mandatory EES registrations are enforced for all non-EU travelers during the busiest months of July and August. This comes after passengers have already faced "persistent excessive waiting times of up to 2 hours" since the system's initial launch in October 2025.
What Is Causing the Bottlenecks?
The aviation groups point to three core problems creating the current delays:
- Chronic border control understaffing at airports and ports.
- Unresolved technology issues, particularly with border automation systems.
- Very limited uptake of the optional Frontex pre-registration app by Schengen states.
The EES is a new digital border system designed to replace manual passport stamping. It requires third-country nationals (like US, UK, or Australian visitors) to register personal data and provide biometric information (fingerprints and facial image) at their first Schengen border crossing per trip. The data is stored in an EU-wide database to track compliance with the 90/180-day rule.
"There is a complete disconnect between the perception of the EU institutions that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience," the industry leaders stated.
The App That Could Help—But Isn't Being Used
A significant part of the proposed solution already exists in theory. EU border agency Frontex has developed the back-end for a self-registration app that would allow travelers to submit some data before arriving at the border. This could drastically speed up the physical check process.
However, its adoption has been voluntary and painfully slow. Only Sweden has implemented and is using the app so far. Other Schengen countries have yet to develop their national front-end versions or commit to using it, leaving a key tool for efficiency largely unused.
EU's Contingency Plan and Industry's Demand
In response to earlier concerns, the European Commission has already signaled some flexibility. A spokesperson confirmed that after the initial six-month rollout period (ending April 2026), member states can partially suspend EES operations for up to 150 days if needed to cover the summer peak.
But the aviation industry argues this isn't enough. They are calling for a more fundamental review or amendment to the implementation timeline itself, not just a temporary pause. They warn that the current plan is not "flexible to react to operational realities."
The Stakes for European Travel
The groups emphasize that the issue goes beyond mere inconvenience. It threatens the reputation of the EU as an efficient, welcoming, and desirable destination. With airport traffic expected to double during the summer, a rigid system could lead to operational meltdowns at major hubs.
The EES is being rolled out in all EU countries (except Cyprus and Ireland) and the four non-EU Schengen states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Its success or failure will be a highly visible test of the bloc's ability to manage its borders without sacrificing the smooth travel experience that is a cornerstone of its economy and global image.