European Airports Warn of Summer Border Chaos as EES Delays Continue
Business travellers heading to Europe this summer could face significant delays at border control as airport leaders warn that the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is placing increasing pressure on immigration operations.
Stefan Schulte, President of ACI Europe and Chief Executive of the company that operates Frankfurt Airport, has publicly urged European ministers to take immediate action, warning that the current system is struggling to cope with growing passenger numbers.
Airport Leaders Call for Immediate Action
Speaking at the ACI Europe conference in Prague, Schulte described the situation as one of the biggest operational challenges currently facing European airports.
"Right now, EES is what keeps me and many other airport CEOs across Europe awake at night."
According to Schulte, lengthy queues at immigration checkpoints have already become common during peak travel periods, with concerns that the busy summer season will push the system beyond its limits.
He criticised European policymakers for underestimating the problem, stating that ministers should "stop pretending the situation is manageable."
What is Causing the Delays?
The EU's Entry/Exit System introduces biometric border checks for non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders. Instead of simply stamping passports, border officials must now capture fingerprints and facial images when travellers first enter the Schengen Area.
While designed to strengthen border security and modernise immigration controls, the additional processing time has created significant bottlenecks at many airports, particularly during periods of high passenger demand.
For business travellers, this means longer arrival times, increased uncertainty when scheduling meetings, and a greater need to build extra time into travel itineraries.
Calls for Greater Flexibility
Schulte is urging the European Commission and individual member states to introduce greater flexibility, allowing border authorities to temporarily suspend biometric checks whenever passenger queues become excessive.
"We urgently need full flexibility for border control authorities to suspend the EES whenever needed to avoid further chaos," he said.
He also stressed that maintaining a positive visitor experience should remain a priority, arguing that Europe risks damaging its reputation as an efficient and welcoming destination for both leisure and business visitors.
Airlines Share Similar Concerns
The concerns are shared across the aviation industry.
Last month, easyJet Chief Executive Kenton Jarvis called on European governments to adopt a more pragmatic approach to EES implementation. He highlighted Greece's decision to temporarily suspend biometric checks for UK passport holders earlier this year as an example of how operational flexibility can help reduce congestion.
Industry leaders believe similar measures could ease pressure at other major European gateways during periods of exceptionally high demand.
A Critical Summer Ahead
Speaking to the BBC's World at One, Schulte explained that airports themselves cannot decide whether to suspend the system. Instead, responsibility lies with individual national governments, meaning delays often continue while officials assess whether intervention is necessary.
He warned that the busiest period extends well beyond the traditional summer holiday peak, with sustained passenger volumes expected throughout September.
Without greater operational flexibility, Schulte cautioned that Europe's border control infrastructure could face severe disruption as international travel continues to recover.
What This Means for Business Travellers
For corporate travellers, the message is clear. Anyone travelling to Europe this summer should allow considerably more time for immigration procedures, particularly when arriving at major international hubs.
Travel managers may also need to review connection times, adjust meeting schedules and brief employees on the likelihood of extended border queues.
While the Entry/Exit System is intended to improve security and streamline border management over the long term, many within the aviation industry believe further operational changes are essential if Europe is to avoid widespread disruption during one of its busiest travel seasons.