The head of Europe's airports lobby has expressed grave concerns about the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), warning that the system is not working and could lead to "complete collapse" if not managed with greater flexibility. The EES, a digitalized border control system, requires travelers from outside the EU, including those from the UK, to have their passport data, facial images, and fingerprints recorded.
Olivier Schulte, who leads the European airports association ACI Europe, stated that he is losing sleep over the potential implications of the EES, particularly as the summer travel season approaches. He is calling for "full flexibility for border control authorities to suspend the EES whenever needed to avoid further chaos – along with a rethink of those processes."
Schulte emphasized that the current situation puts a burden on travelers and risks damaging the EU's reputation as a welcoming destination. The European Commission has allowed for the suspension of EES under certain circumstances until September. However, Schulte pointed out that individual governments, not airports, must make these suspension decisions, leading to delays and prolonged queues while such decisions are deliberated.
"This is about showing respect and decency for those who chose to travel to the EU, and safeguarding our reputation as a welcoming and efficient destination," Schulte told the BBC. He warned that the summer peak extends beyond early September, and without adequate adjustments, the system could face a "complete collapse."
Reports indicate that some member states have explored potential exemptions for certain nationalities. Earlier this year, Greece's tourism minister suggested that British passengers might not face biometric checks when traveling to Greece. However, this was later disputed by the Greek Foreign Ministry, leaving the situation unclear. Similar reports suggested Portugal and Italy were considering exemptions for British nationals, but the European Commission has denied any such plans are in place.
Concerns about the EES have been mounting, with images of long queues at passport control in airports like Milan Bergamo on April 16 highlighting the potential for significant delays. The system aims to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for legitimate travelers, but its implementation has raised operational challenges for airports and travel authorities across the bloc.