Since the introduction of the new entry and exit system, travelers from outside the Schengen area are digitally registered upon arrival. This includes the recording of biometric data. According to involved parties, this additional check takes more time than the previous manual passport stamping.
Airports and airlines warn that the combination of the new checks and the busiest travel period of the year is leading to serious disruptions. They fear the problems will worsen as the number of holidaymakers continues to rise in the coming weeks.
Missing Flights
The consequences are now visible to travelers. Long queues mean some passengers miss their flights despite being at the airport well in advance. As a result, several airlines advise their customers to arrive at the airport much earlier than usual.
Promotion
The aviation sector is calling for more leeway for national customs authorities to temporarily suspend the new system when queues become too long. According to airport management, more flexibility is needed to prevent the situation from completely grinding to a halt during peak times.
Preparation
However, the European Commission maintains the importance of the new system. Brussels states that it is necessary to better track who enters and leaves the European Union. The Commission points out that EU countries and their airports have had sufficient time to prepare for the implementation.
Meanwhile, several countries are attempting to reduce pressure at their airports. Additional border guards are being deployed to speed up passenger processing, including in Portugal at airports in the Azores and the Algarve. It is emphasized that security checks must remain at the same level while improving the flow.
More Staff
Nevertheless, governments and airport authorities are tempering expectations. Additional personnel and adjustments to procedures can shorten waiting times, but according to them, lines will not disappear entirely. During exceptionally busy periods, delays are likely unavoidable, while the aviation sector insists that supplementary measures be taken promptly to avoid further disruptions during the holiday season.