The EU's new entry-exit system, the Entry-Exit System (EES), is causing significant delays and long queues at European airports, particularly affecting British travelers. This has led to a warning from the International Air Transport Association (Iata) and a call to action from industry experts. The EES, which requires fingerprints and facial biometrics for all "third-country nationals" entering the Schengen Area, is being rolled out across Europe, but its implementation has been fraught with issues.
The vice-president for Europe at Iata, Rafael Schvartzman, has described the situation as a "hard risk" of long waiting times and missed flights. He argues that instead of providing practical solutions, the aviation industry is being used as a political tool. Schvartzman's concerns are backed by recent experiences in countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy, where delays and missed connections have become commonplace since the EES was fully implemented in April.
The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that the EES system itself is slow and prone to technological problems. Without the EES, processing a passenger takes 20-25 seconds, but with the new system, it can take up to 90 seconds per passenger. This significant increase in processing time, coupled with technological challenges, is causing widespread disruption.
To mitigate these issues, Schvartzman suggests that European states should ensure sufficient staffing at border controls, well-planned flight schedules, and operational electronic kiosks and gates. He also calls for proactive measures to suspend EES checks before queues become unmanageable. For passengers, the advice is to allow significantly more time at the airport, with recommendations to arrive two to three hours before departures until the EES system stabilizes.
Wizz Air, a low-cost airline, has gone a step further, advising British travelers to arrive at European airports three hours before their flight departs. This advice is based on the experiences of passengers who have missed return or connecting flights due to lengthy delays at passport control. However, the effectiveness of this advice is questioned, as it may not be feasible for all travelers.
The situation raises important questions about the balance between security measures and the travel experience. While the EES aims to enhance border security, its implementation has led to significant disruptions, causing inconvenience and financial losses for travelers. As the system continues to be rolled out, it is crucial for authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure a smoother travel experience for all.
