New EU border system causes significant airport delays

Travelers at major European airports are experiencing significantly longer wait times this summer due to the implementation of the European Union's new Entry-Exit System (EES). Launched in April, the electronic system requires non-EU citizens, including those from the United Kingdom, to register biometric data—such as fingerprints and photographs—upon their first arrival, leading to widespread logistical challenges and bottlenecks.

According to data from the analytics firm Qsensor, provided to the Financial Times, maximum wait times in July increased sharply compared to last year. Frankfurt Airport saw wait times rise to 120 minutes from 60 minutes, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol also reported an increase to 120 minutes from 80 minutes. Munich Airport experienced a doubling of wait times from 31 to 60 minutes. The travel industry had previously warned that the system could lead to severe delays, arguing that the design failed to adequately account for high-volume traffic during peak travel seasons.

Authorities are currently struggling to process the increased backlog as airports operate at their capacity limits. The situation remains challenging as the industry continues to grapple with these operational difficulties during the ongoing summer travel period.