European airports are facing unprecedented delays due to the EU’s new biometric border control system, which has been described as reaching a ‘breaking point.’ The Entry/Exit System, requiring non-EU citizens to provide fingerprints and photographs, has led to waiting times of up to five hours at checkpoints, severely impacting travel during the peak summer months.
Airlines and airport operators have issued a joint letter to the European Commission, urging the immediate suspension of these checks. They argue that the current system is not only failing to facilitate efficient border crossings but is also damaging the EU’s reputation as a travel destination. With millions of passengers affected, the pressure on frontline staff is mounting, leading to increased flight delays and missed connections.
The situation has prompted some countries, like Greece, to temporarily suspend biometric checks for British visitors. The industry is calling for a permanent mechanism to halt the system during peak times until fundamental issues, such as staffing and system reliability, are resolved.
As the summer progresses, the potential for lasting damage to the EU’s tourism sector looms large, with some international visitors reconsidering their travel plans due to excessive delays. The urgency of the appeal highlights the critical need for a balance between security measures and operational efficiency in the travel industry.
Source: GB News
