Europe’s top airport official has raised concerns about the ability of airports to handle significant delays caused by a new EU border system as the busy holiday season approaches. Stefan Schulte, president of ACI Europe, expressed uncertainty about managing the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, highlighting long queues during peak times.
The EU recently implemented the Entry-Exit System (EES), requiring non-EU passengers to register biometric data when entering and leaving most European countries. The rollout has led to extensive delays and flight disruptions at several airports, though some have reported smoother transitions.
In a recent incident at Athens Airport, where the EES was not in operation, approximately 20 travelers missed their London-bound flight due to extensive queues. Schulte criticized the system’s functionality, urging politicians to consider suspending it as needed to prevent chaos.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by passengers and the impact on the EU’s reputation as a welcoming destination, Schulte emphasized the importance of flexible measures for border control authorities. The European Commission has allowed temporary suspensions of the EES until September in certain cases, but Schulte warned about potential system failures during the extended summer travel period.
Earlier controversies in Greece highlighted conflicting statements regarding exemptions from the biometric checks, creating confusion among travelers. Airlines have advised passengers to allocate extra time for the new system, with reports of varied experiences ranging from smooth processing to lengthy queues in popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, and France.
As the situation evolves, the need for efficient border management remains critical to ensure a positive travel experience and safeguard the reputation of European airports.
