European airports and air carriers have made a pressing request to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating that implementing the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) has arrived at a "crisis stage," leading to major problems for countless travelers throughout the busy summer period.
In an open letter released on 1 July, aviation groups ACI EUROPE, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on Brussels to permit member countries to briefly halt the digital border system when traveler numbers surpass available capacity.
The organizations stated, 'We have now arrived at a crucial moment.' The present execution of the EES is leading to serious operational issues, affecting travelers and placing excessive strain on border officials, airports, and airlines.
Thus, we appeal for your prompt action prior to the situation worsening even more throughout the busy summer travel period.
The EES became fully operational A digital system will be implemented across the Schengen zone in April 2026, substituting traditional passport stamps for most travelers from outside the EU with an electronic method that tracks arrivals and departures along with biometric information such as fingerprints and face scans.
The framework aims to enhance frontier protection, detect individuals who have exceeded their visa durations, and improve the efficiency of managing outer borders.
Nevertheless, the aviation sector claims that the implementation is producing the reverse outcome at numerous airports.
As stated in the letter, wait times at customs have increased to as long as five hours during busy travel seasons, leading to lost plane connections, postponed flights, and growing stress for airport workers on the front lines.
The factions cautioned that less powerful ones airports Popular holiday locations are also facing challenges, as travelers wait outside buildings due to insufficient border infrastructure to handle incoming guests efficiently.
The letter says, 'Airlines have planes with many empty seats as they close the gates, while travelers wait in long lines for border controls.'
The sector recognized that Member States were allowed to briefly pause the collection of biometrics until early September, yet claimed that this leniency did not stop long lines or administrative problems.
As European airports anticipate approximately 40 million additional travelers in July and August compared to the preceding two months, the organizations cautioned that situations might worsen quickly unless more measures are taken.
In the correspondence, they "humbly request" the European Commission to "proceed immediately" and implement the subsequent measures "without further hesitation":
- Quickly grant Member States full flexibility to fully pause the EES system preemptively when passenger numbers surpass the operating limits of border control stations, specifically during July and August.
- Collaborating closely with Member States and the private sector, create by September a lasting operational flexibility system that enables Border Control Agencies to halt EES processes during specific extraordinary situations, ensuring effective and traveler-oriented border administration.
The credibility of the EU and trust in the regulatory system "are also under threat," stated the letter. Europe needs to continue being a place that is "not just safe but also effective, friendly, and strong."
A warning has been issued that certain global travelers are "thinking twice about visiting Europe" due to the "possibility of long customs lines," which is "harming Europe's image, tourist industry, and transport links, particularly."
WTTC urges collective efforts
As a reply, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) states that it completely supports and backs the open letter addressed to the EU from ACI Europe, A4E, and IATA.
It is urging "collaborative efforts" to ensure the execution of EES while not interfering with mobility.
Acknowledging the significance of updating border mechanisms and enhancing safety throughout Europe, WTTC has repeatedly cautioned that insufficient adaptability, dependable technology, enough personnel, and effective traveler information could lead to "operational delays threatening the tourist experience and Europe's standing as a top international destination."
Should the problems remain unresolved, Europe might find itself at a "significant disadvantage," according to the WTTC, when measured against other international locations that provide quicker and smoother entry procedures.
A new assessment from the World Travel & Tourism Council suggests that prolonged border wait times of three hours or longer might "greatly discourage travel," as approximately one-third of tourists claim they would consider visiting the Schengen zone less frequently. When applied to projections for 2026, this situation could threaten up to 41 million visitors and $45.4 billion in expected tourism revenue across Europe.
Gloria Guevara, President and Chief Executive Officer of WTTC, stated, 'EES marks a significant advancement toward smarter and safer borders across Europe.' However, she emphasized that execution needs to be realistic, well-coordinated, and centered around travelers. She warned that if extended wait times become standard, passengers may seek alternative options.
Europe must not risk losing its competitive edge or the appeal that attracts countless tourists. We urge decision-makers to collaborate closely with businesses to make sure the system fulfills its goal of improved border management without causing unexpected obstacles for travelers.