The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is creating significant delays at border checkpoints across the bloc. Airport operators report that the digital system, designed to track non-EU visitors, has tripled processing times at passport control. Ryanair warned passengers traveling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended queues.
The EES replaces manual passport stamping with automated technology that records entry and exit data for travelers from outside the Schengen Area. While the system aims to strengthen border security and streamline long-term management, its rollout has exposed critical operational gaps. Airport bosses say staff and infrastructure weren't adequately prepared for the volume of travelers combined with the system's processing demands.
The delays disproportionately impact budget carriers like Ryanair, whose high passenger volumes mean longer cumulative waits during peak travel periods. Summer travel season compounds the problem as holiday travelers flood European airports simultaneously. Some hubs have reported queues stretching over an hour during peak times, forcing airports to open additional gates and deploy extra personnel to prevent cascading flight delays.
EU officials acknowledged implementation challenges but stand by the system's security benefits. The bloc argues that EES provides better data on visitor flows and helps identify security threats more efficiently than the old stamp-based method. However, the teething problems highlight the gap between system design and real-world execution at high-traffic airports.
Airlines and airport operators have called for additional resources and potential system adjustments to reduce bottlenecks. The situation underscores the tension between enhanced security protocols and passenger experience. As travel patterns normalize post-pandemic, airports face pressure to absorb the new technology without compromising flight schedules or customer satisfaction.