Queues of up to 3–4 hours at European airports: how the EES system has caused border delays

European airports are seeing hours-long queues due to the new EES system. Find out which countries are worst affected, why passengers are waiting up to 3–4 hours, and how to prepare for your trip

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At a number of European airports, passengers are already facing hours-long lines at border control. The reason is the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires the registration of personal and biometric data for citizens of non-EU countries. This is reported by UNN, citing The Guardian.

Which countries are seeing the longest lines at airports?

According to the Airports Council International (ACI), delays are already being observed at airports in France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Greece. In some cases, passengers are waiting up to three hours to pass through border control.

Meanwhile, Olivier Jankovec, CEO of ACI’s European division, told the Financial Times that the situation at some airports could be even worse, especially during peak hours and in the summer months. According to him, the current backlog is just beginning to build up, and the situation risks becoming unmanageable in the future.

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What is the EES system and why does it affect processing speed?

The EES system has been implemented in Schengen Area countries and requires travelers from outside the EU to undergo a new registration procedure at the border. This involves providing personal information and biometric data.

It is this additional check that has become the main cause of delays. Whereas checks used to take less time, they can now take significantly longer per passenger. According to the European Commission’s estimates, the average registration time is 70 seconds. However, ACI claims that in practice, the procedure can take up to five minutes per person.

For large, high-traffic airports, this difference is critical—especially during morning and evening peak departure times.

What disruptions have already been reported?

One of the most notable incidents occurred in Italy. According to the BBC, over 100 passengers were unable to board an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester due to delays at passport control.

Due to system malfunctions, representatives from airports and the European Commission have already held a separate meeting. ACI is requesting not only that current exemptions be extended but also that the option be provided to fully suspend EES registration in the event of excessive queues, when border control can no longer be maintained under normal conditions.

What are the European Commission and the aviation industry saying?

The parties’ positions differ significantly. The European Commission insists that the system is working well in the vast majority of member states, and that the technical issues identified in certain countries are being resolved.

Brussels also emphasized that since the introduction of the EES, over 52 million entries and exits have been recorded, more than 27,000 entries have been denied, and nearly 700 individuals have been identified as potential security threats.

In contrast, representatives of the aviation industry assess the situation much more harshly. In particular, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary stated that at some airports, wait times are already reaching four hours. He called the system’s launch chaotic and suggested postponing its full implementation until October.

Additional risks for passengers ahead of the travel season

Problems with the EES compound other threats to European aviation. The article also notes that airports are monitoring the risk of disruptions in aviation fuel supplies due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

ACI has already issued a warning to the European Commissioners for Energy and Transport: if this scenario unfolds, Europe could face a systemic fuel shortage within three weeks. This is particularly sensitive given that a significant portion of imported aviation fuel comes from the Middle East.

Given the queues and potential technical delays, travelers should plan their trip to the airport with more time than usual. This is especially true for flights from EU countries, where border controls are already operating under new rules.

If your trip involves multiple modes of transport—such as a train, bus, and plane—it’s best to organize your entire itinerary and tickets in one place ahead of time. In particular, this is convenient to do through Visit Ukraine, where a ticket booking system for all modes of transport is available.

We remind you! A new entry-exit system has been in effect in the EU since April 10, 2026. Read how the EES works, who it applies to, and what has changed for Ukrainians since April 10.

Photo: bignai / Freepik

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