travel
February 5, 2026
Summer travel disruption fears over new biometric checks at European borders
Industry leaders urge EU to tell authorities to stand down entry-exit system controls if needed
TL;DR
- The EU's new entry-exit system (EES) is causing concern among travel industry leaders and European airports.
- Fears of significant summer disruption and passenger queues are increasing, with potential waits of up to five hours.
- Understaffing at border controls and issues with EES infrastructure, including malfunctioning kiosks, are contributing to existing delays.
- Border authorities have the power to relax EES requirements or even stand down the system to avoid disruption, but consistent application is questioned.
- Industry bodies are urging the EU to ensure contingency measures are communicated and applied effectively across all member states.
- A possible extension of contingency measures for 90 days from the April deadline is hinted at, potentially covering the summer period.
- Some locations, like Lisbon airport, have already suspended the system due to excessive queues.
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