The aviation industry is urging the European Union to pause its new biometric border control system during the peak summer travel months, highlighting significant disruptions at airports. Airlines and airports have reported that passengers are experiencing wait times of up to five hours at border checks, leading to some flights departing with empty seats as travelers remain stuck in lengthy queues. To mitigate these issues, airlines have occasionally delayed flights, awaiting passengers who are still navigating the border process.
Introduced gradually since October, the EU’s biometric system mandates non-EU visitors to submit fingerprints and facial images upon entry. However, the rollout has encountered operational challenges, with airports and border authorities struggling to manage the implementation effectively. In response, industry representatives are calling on the European Commission to consider suspending the biometric checks in July and August, particularly when the number of travelers surpasses the handling capacity of border control facilities.
Countries across Europe have already reported difficulties with the system’s implementation. Some locations have opted to reduce or temporarily halt biometric checks to avert significant disruptions during the bustling travel season. The industry groups emphasize that ongoing delays could harm Europe’s tourism sector and its reputation in international travel circles, especially as airports brace for a surge in passenger numbers over the summer.
To ensure a smoother operation of the biometric checks without causing travel chaos, the industry stresses the need for additional staffing, enhanced technology, and dependable automated systems. These measures are deemed crucial before the system can be fully integrated without impacting travelers’ experiences negatively.