Key Takeaways:
- Major European aviation groups warn the Entry/Exit System (EES) could cause border queues of four hours or more this summer.
- They are calling for an immediate review of the rollout timeline, citing chronic understaffing and unresolved tech issues.
- The EU has offered a partial suspension option for Schengen states during peak season, but industry leaders say more flexibility is needed.
- Only Sweden is currently using the optional pre-registration app designed to speed up the process.
Aviation Industry Sounds Alarm Over EES Delays
Europe's leading airlines and airport operators have issued a stark warning: the new EU digital border system threatens to plunge summer travel into chaos. In a joint letter to the European Commission, groups representing the sector painted a picture of severe disruptions, with non-EU travelers facing potentially endless waits.
The core of the problem is the Entry/Exit System (EES), which began its rollout in October 2025. This biometric system requires third-country nationals to register personal data and fingerprints upon first entry into the Schengen Zone. It aims to digitally track compliance with the 90/180-day rule, replacing manual passport stamps.
However, aviation bodies—including Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—report that the system is already causing significant delays. They cite persistent waiting times of up to two hours at airport border controls, a situation they fear will explode during the peak summer months.
Why Is the EES Causing Such Problems?
The industry groups point to a combination of critical failures that are crippling the system's efficiency:
- Chronic border control understaffing at many airports.
- Unresolved technology issues, particularly with border automation gates.
- Very limited uptake of the optional Frontex pre-registration app by member states.
This last point is crucial. The EU border agency, Frontex, has developed an app backend that allows travelers to pre-register data before arrival. Yet, its adoption is voluntary for Schengen states. To date, only Sweden has implemented it, leaving the vast majority of travelers to undergo the full registration process at the border kiosk.
“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,” stated the aviation leaders.
EU's Contingency Plan and Industry Demands
Recognizing the potential for disaster, the European Commission has already offered Schengen countries a contingency measure. A spokesperson confirmed that member states can partially suspend EES operations for up to 150 days to cover the summer peak if necessary.
However, the aviation industry argues this is not enough. They are calling for a fundamental review or amendment of the implementation timeline itself. Their fear is that without immediate action, the system will buckle under the pressure of doubled airport traffic in July and August.
The Stakes for European Travel
The implications extend far beyond long queues. Industry leaders warn that the reputational damage could be severe, harming the EU's image as an efficient and welcoming destination. The success of the EES, they argue, depends entirely on its ability to adapt to operational realities on the ground.
The system's official goal was to reach full operation by April 2026, gradually registering a higher proportion of visitors. That timeline now looks increasingly unrealistic without significant intervention. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Europe's borders will be a bottleneck or a gateway this summer.