European airports switch off EES to avoid endless queues at checks

European airports have temporarily disabled the Entry/Exit System (Ees) to prevent excessive delays at security checkpoints, according to reports from Italian media. The move has been made in response to growing concerns over long queues during peak travel periods, particularly in summer months. Several major European airports, including those in Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Milan, have suspended the use of the system when congestion becomes severe. This action aligns with a provision in EU regulations that allows temporary suspension under exceptional circumstances. The decision to disable the Ees was reportedly taken by Air France-Klm, one of the largest global airline groups, which stated that the system is deactivated during busy summer months to ensure smoother passenger flow through its hubs. Similar measures have been adopted at other key airports across Europe. The system, designed to streamline border control using biometric data, has faced criticism for causing bottlenecks, especially during high-traffic times. Airlines and airport authorities argue that the current setup is not efficient enough to handle large volumes of travelers without resulting in prolonged waits. The Ees was introduced as part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance security and improve efficiency in cross-border travel. However, its implementation has led to operational challenges. Reports indicate that the system's reliance on biometric checks has sometimes slowed down processing times, leading to frustration among passengers and staff alike. These issues have become more pronounced during seasonal peaks, prompting some airports to seek alternative solutions to maintain service levels without compromising safety protocols. Under EU rules, the temporary suspension of the Ees is permitted when “exceptional circumstances” arise. Initially, this derogation was allowed until September 6. However, nine member states, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Malta, Portugal, and Switzerland, have already requested an extension beyond this date. In a formal letter addressed to the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Magnus Brunner, these countries emphasized their commitment to fully implementing the system while acknowledging the difficulties encountered during exceptional conditions. They stressed that the experience gained so far highlights the need for flexibility in managing such situations. The situation reflects a broader tension between regulatory mandates and practical operational realities. While the Ees aims to modernize and secure travel processes, its effectiveness has been questioned in real-world scenarios. Airport operators and airlines have expressed concerns that the system does not adapt well to sudden surges in passenger numbers, which can occur unpredictably during holidays or festivals. As a result, they have opted for temporary deactivations to avoid overwhelming infrastructure and ensuring smooth operations. Looking ahead, the debate over the Ees is likely to continue. The request for an extended suspension period suggests that the issue is not isolated to a few airports but represents a systemic challenge. The European Commission will need to balance the goals of enhancing security and efficiency with the operational constraints faced by national authorities. Until a permanent solution is found, the temporary disabling of the Ees appears to be a pragmatic approach to managing the immediate challenges posed by high passenger volumes.