The European Union's (EU) digital border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is causing severe disruptions in the travel sector. Airport and airline representatives warned that passengers face queues of up to five hours and that planes are forced to depart half-empty, with the situation reaching a "critical point".
In a joint open letter published online on Wednesday, the Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) addressed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter stated that the current implementation of the EES is "creating serious operational consequences, victimizing passengers and placing unsustainable pressure on border authorities, airports and airlines."
The industry representatives called on the Commission "to take urgent action before the situation further deteriorates 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 our air transport system will face in the coming weeks."
Warning that "without additional flexibility, the current challenges will inevitably intensify," the representatives said, "as representatives of the European aviation sector, we have a responsibility to prevent further worsening of what is already a very difficult situation for passengers."
Pointing out that travel disruptions are damaging the reputation of the EU and European tourism, the industry groups said it is vital for the continent to remain an "efficient, welcoming and competitive" destination. They added that "there are reports that some international passengers are reconsidering their trips to Europe due to the prospect of excessive border delays."
The lobbyists argued that member states should immediately be granted the flexibility to "completely suspend" the system when passenger numbers exceed the "operational capacity" of border facilities, until the EES is stabilized and adequate staffing levels are ensured.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the world's largest tourism sector representative body, also announced its support for the letter on the same day. WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara warned that delays could risk up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending, saying, "If long delays become an accepted practice, travelers will look elsewhere. Europe cannot afford to jeopardize its competitiveness or the experience it offers to millions of visitors."
The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The EU had gradually introduced the EES in October to replace passport stamping. The system records each traveler's name, passport details, fingerprints, facial image and entry/exit dates and locations.
Although the European Commission announced in April that the EES was "fully operational" across the Schengen Area, it has caused long delays and numerous passengers have missed their flights since its introduction, according to reports.
