The signatories, representing key aviation organisations, state that the sector recognises the importance of the EES in strengthening external border security, while highlighting that its current deployment is creating significant operational challenges across airports and airlines.
According to the letter, waiting times at border control have increased since the full rollout of the system in April, reaching up to five hours during peak periods. It also notes that disruptions are affecting passengers, including families, elderly travellers and persons with reduced mobility, while contributing to flight delays and missed connections.
The communication states that Member States have made use of temporary flexibility allowing the suspension of biometric data collection until September, but that this measure has not prevented congestion at border control points.
With approximately 40 million additional passengers expected across European airports during July and August, the letter warns of further operational pressure during the peak travel season. It also highlights that smaller airports in key tourism destinations are experiencing similar congestion challenges.
The document references concerns over reputational impact for the European Union and potential effects on tourism demand and connectivity, noting that prolonged border delays may influence travel decisions for international passengers.
The letter also cites a European Commission position reported by the Financial Times on 25 June, stating: “A spokesperson for the European Commission said the EES was fully operational and working well [and that] most often long waiting times are not related to the operation of the EES but to pre-existing factors such as concentration of flights in specific slots”.
Signatories call for immediate operational flexibility allowing Member States to suspend EES procedures when passenger volumes exceed border control capacity during peak periods, particularly throughout July and August.
The letter further proposes the establishment of a permanent flexibility mechanism by September, alongside structural improvements including staffing levels, system stability, full deployment of self-service technologies and pre-registration tools across Member States.
The signatories underline their support for the objectives of the Entry/Exit System, stating that security and efficient border management are complementary goals within the Schengen framework
Tags: Thomas Reynaert IATA European Commission Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E, Olivier Jankovec ACI Europe
