The European Union's (EU) digital border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is causing serious disruptions in the travel sector. Airport and airline representatives warned that the situation has reached a "critical point," with passengers facing queues of up to 5 hours and planes having to take off half-empty.
In a joint open letter published on Wednesday, Airports Council International (ACI Europe), Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) addressed EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter stated that the current implementation of the EES is "causing serious operational consequences, victimizing passengers, and creating unsustainable pressure on border authorities, airports, and airlines."
The industry representatives called for urgent action, stating: "We therefore urge you to intervene urgently before the situation worsens further during the busy summer travel season."
Noting that European airports are expected to handle 40 million more passengers in July and August compared to the previous two months, the lobby groups stressed that EU leaders must "take into account the reality of the current situation and the picture that our air transport system will face in the coming weeks."
Warning that "current challenges will inevitably intensify unless additional flexibility is provided," the representatives said, "As representatives of the European aviation sector, we have a responsibility to point out that this will further worsen an already very difficult situation for passengers."
The industry groups noted that travel disruptions are damaging the reputation of the EU and European tourism, stressing that it is vital for the continent to remain a "efficient, welcoming, and competitive" destination. They said, "There are reports that some international travelers are reconsidering their trips to Europe due to the possibility of excessive border delays."
The lobbyists argued that EU member states must immediately be granted the flexibility to "fully suspend" the system in cases where passenger numbers exceed the "operational capacity" of border facilities, until the EES stabilizes and sufficient staffing levels are ensured.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the world's largest tourism industry representative body, also announced its support for the letter on the same day. WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara warned that the delays could jeopardize up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending, stating, "If long delays become an accepted practice, travelers will go elsewhere. Europe cannot compromise its competitiveness or the experience it offers to millions of visitors."
The EU Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
The EU had gradually rolled out the EES in October to replace passport stamping. The system records each traveler's name, passport information, fingerprints, facial image, and the date and place of entry and exit.
Although the European Commission announced in April that the EES was "fully operational" across the Schengen Area, it is reported that the system has caused long delays since its launch, with numerous passengers missing their flights.
