Airline executives are calling for the suspension of new EU biometric checks as the summer holiday rush approaches. They argue that these checks are causing significant delays, with reports of passengers queuing for hours, leading to planes departing with empty seats.
Industry groups, including ACI Europe and Airlines 4 Europe, have expressed urgent concerns in a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They highlight that the current border control facilities are overwhelmed, resulting in extended wait times that could deter international travellers from visiting Europe.
The situation has reached a critical point, with some airports experiencing queues lasting up to six hours. In one instance, passengers were left behind in Milan due to the chaos caused by the new post-Brexit border system. The industry is advocating for the ability to suspend biometric checks when passenger volumes exceed operational capacity during peak travel months.
With an expected influx of 40 million additional passengers this summer, the pressure on border control systems is immense. The airlines warn that continued delays could harm Europe’s reputation as a travel destination, impacting tourism and connectivity across the continent.
Source: LBC News
