The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) caused major disruptions at airports during its first weekend of operation. Reports indicate that queues lasting up to three hours led to numerous passengers missing their flights.
The biometric border control system, which officially launched across the Schengen area on Friday, April 10, is now active in 29 European countries. Covering non-EU travelers entering the Schengen zone for short stays, the system replaces manual passport stamping with digital records while collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans.
Operational Disruptions and Delays
In a joint statement, ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E) noted that the first day of full operations was marred by passenger grievances and missed flights. The organizations, which had warned of operational risks weeks in advance, emphasized that the situation is not merely a “teething issue” but a “systemic failure.”
A4E reported that while airlines are working to ensure on-time departures, delays at border checkpoints remain beyond their control. The group called on the European Commission to provide flexibility, suggesting that the system be partially or fully suspended where necessary until the end of summer to allow operations to stabilize.
Flights Depart Empty in Milan
One of the most notable incidents during the EES rollout occurred at Milan Linate Airport. On Sunday, only 34 out of 156 passengers booked on a flight to Manchester managed to clear border control in time. Due to the congestion at passport desks, 122 passengers were left behind as their aircraft departed.
An Easyjet spokesperson described the border delays as unacceptable and urged authorities to make effective use of permitted flexibility measures during the EES implementation. The airline stressed that the situation was outside its control and apologized to the affected passengers.
[via Euronews]
