- The full implementation of the European Union’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) is triggering massive delays and operational chaos across European airports, leaving millions of travelers facing grueling queues.
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and easyJet have launched a fierce attack on EU member states, labeling the lack of preparation unacceptable, given that they have had since 2017 to get ready.
- The severity of the crisis was illustrated by an incident at Milan’s Linate Airport, where an easyJet flight was forced to take off, leaving over 100 passengers stranded at passport control.
The rollout of the European Union’s highly anticipated biometric border control system has hit a wall of reality. Aviation giants and airport authorities are warning that the digital framework is causing systemic dysfunctions at key European tourist hubs, turning automated e-gates into additional bottlenecks rather than tech-driven solutions.
Speaking ahead of a major UK Bank Holiday weekend—the first major travel test since the EES went fully live—easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis did not mince his words.
“It is unacceptable for passengers to be forced to wait in massive border control queues when authorities have had since 2017 to prepare,” Jarvis stated, calling the widespread lack of readiness “inexcusable.”
Jarvis argued that member states already possess the regulatory tools to prevent border chaos if they utilize the operational flexibility granted by the European Commission. “They can open more passport booths and manage flows better. It is entirely in their hands to smooth out the situation,” he emphasized.
Greece Emerging as the Blueprint for Flexibility
In a notable turn, the easyJet chief highlighted Greece as a model of practical crisis management. To prevent total operational congestion during high-traffic peaks, Greek authorities temporarily suspended full biometric checks for British passport holders.
Jarvis openly urged other European nations to ditch rigid bureaucracy and follow the Greek playbook. “If it’s a quiet midweek period, run the full program. But if we are talking about a holiday Saturday or peak tourist traffic, common sense is required.”
IATA Demands Reality Check Over Broken E-Gates
IATA, alongside Italian airport and airline associations, has joined the chorus demanding immediate operational adjustments. Clarifying that they do not want the EES abolished, IATA stressed that the current regulatory framework fails to align with the physical reality of airport operations.
Major delays and disruptions are spiking in heavy tourist regions with impressive British passenger volumes, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
Furthermore, the electronic gates (e-gates) designed to digitalize and accelerate the process are reportedly failing under pressure, suffering from system freezes, slow processing speeds, and software blockages.