Queues at EU airports expected to worsen ahead of new rule starting in September

Queues at European Union airports are set to intensify in the coming weeks as a key regulatory change takes effect on September 6. Under the new rule, EU member states will no longer be permitted to temporarily halt EES checks, part of the broader Entry/Exit System designed to manage border controls, when congestion becomes excessive. This shift comes after years of operational challenges with the system, which has led to widespread delays and disruptions for travelers. Since April 2026, the implementation of the EES has resulted in prolonged waits at border checkpoints across the bloc. The system mandates that all individuals entering the Schengen area must register upon arrival, requiring biometric data such as photographs and fingerprints. While intended to enhance security and streamline processing, these measures have instead contributed to bottlenecks, particularly during peak travel periods. Some travelers have reportedly waited several hours before being processed, leading to missed flights and growing frustration among both passengers and airline operators. Currently, EU nations retain the authority to suspend EES operations under exceptional conditions, such as when queues exceed acceptable limits. However, this provision is set to expire in late August, with no indication that it will be reinstated. Frontex, the EU’s border management agency, has confirmed that the flexibility will not be extended, despite appeals from industry groups advocating for its continuation. As a result, airports may once again face severe congestion, especially during the upcoming autumn travel season. Several major airports have already encountered technical difficulties with the EES. At Air France-KLM’s hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, systems have been manually shut down during high-demand periods to prevent further delays. These actions were necessary to maintain operational efficiency, according to statements shared with Politico. Similarly, Brussels Airport has reported ongoing issues with the technology, noting that the system remains partially functional and prone to breakdowns during heavy traffic. Compounding these challenges, there have been reports of the EES causing additional strain on vulnerable travelers. For instance, the process of collecting fingerprints has proven problematic for older adults, raising concerns about accessibility and fairness. Last month, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary voiced criticism of the EU’s approach to border regulations, highlighting how the system has disrupted flight schedules and affected passenger experiences. O'Leary emphasized that responsibility ultimately lies with travelers to arrive at airports well in advance of departure times. During an interview on The Travel Expert podcast, he stated that airlines would not accommodate those who fail to reach the boarding gate on time. “We will not wait for anybody,” he said. “Our priority is to those passengers who are at the boarding gate when boarding starts.” He warned that flights could depart without certain passengers if delays persist, citing instances where Ryanair had observed aircraft leaving without some travelers due to extreme processing backlogs. As the EES enters its second year of operation, the situation underscores the complexities of balancing security requirements with the practicalities of air travel. With no immediate relief in sight, travelers are advised to plan meticulously and consider alternative routes or modes of transportation to mitigate potential disruptions. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the EU can effectively address the systemic issues plaguing its border control infrastructure.