As the summer holiday season approaches, major European airports are calling for the EU’s controversial Entry/Exit System (EES) to be scrapped. Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, highlighted significant delays caused by the system, which has doubled processing times since its launch in April. This inefficiency is particularly concerning as airports handle up to 60,000 passengers daily.
The EES requires biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, which has led to long queues at airports across Europe. Despite investing £10 million to prepare for the system, airports are struggling to manage the increased wait times, which can exceed three hours at some locations. Troncone criticized the design flaws of the EES, stating that it was developed with insufficient input from airport operators.
Airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet have also voiced their concerns, urging for the system’s suspension. The ongoing delays have already resulted in flights departing without passengers due to lengthy border checks. As crisis talks with the European Commission loom, the aviation industry is advocating for immediate changes to alleviate the pressure on holidaymakers.
If the EES is not suspended, travellers may face significant disruptions throughout the peak summer months. The situation underscores the need for effective border management solutions that prioritise passenger flow and minimise delays, especially during busy travel periods.
Source: GB News
