New EU Travel System Could Cause Significant Airport Delays, Industry Warns

A new European Union border management system is expected to significantly lengthen processing times at passport control, an airport leader has cautioned. This upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to register non-EU citizens each time they enter or leave the Schengen Area. The chief executive of London Luton Airport, Alberto Martin, highlighted concerns that the new procedures could nearly triple the time required for passport inspections. Speaking to BBC Business, Martin indicated that the current average of 45 seconds per passenger might escalate to two minutes under the new regulations. He stressed the importance of airlines and border authorities collaboratively planning for these changes to mitigate potential disruption. Separately, low-cost airline Ryanair has issued a warning to its customers traveling to European destinations over the summer months. The carrier recommends that passengers prepare for longer queues and additional waiting periods due to the implementation of these new border checks. The EES will require non-EU visitors to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, upon entry, adding new steps to the border crossing process. Initially planned for a 2022 rollout, the EES has faced multiple postponements, with the latest target for implementation being late 2024. Despite the delays, the aviation sector continues to express apprehension about the system's impact on passenger flow and operational efficiency at busy transport hubs. The objective of the EES is to enhance border security and identify individuals who have overstayed their permitted duration in the Schengen zone. Airport authorities and airline operators are urging for clear guidance and robust infrastructure to support the transition. They emphasize that effective communication with travelers and adequate staffing at border control points will be crucial to manage the anticipated increase in processing time. The success of the new system will depend heavily on thorough preparation across all stakeholders involved in European air travel.