Schengen system strains EU airports

Photo: Independent

European airports are facing growing operational pressure following the phased introduction of the Schengen Entry-Exit System. ACI Europe has warned that the current rollout is already causing significant delays for passengers and risks escalating into systemic disruption across airport operations. The EES, which began phased implementation on 12 October 2025, requires biometric registration of third-country nationals entering the Schengen area.

Border processing times surge

According to ACI Europe, border control processing times at airports have increased by up to 70% since the introduction of the system. During peak travel periods, passenger waiting times can reach as long as three hours. Airports in France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal and Spain are among the most affected, putting pressure on some of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs.

Technical and staffing challenges

ACI Europe attributes the disruption to unresolved technical and operational issues. These include recurring system outages, configuration problems related to the partial deployment or absence of self-service kiosks, and the lack of automated border control gates capable of handling EES procedures. The absence of an effective pre-registration application and shortages of border guards further compound the situation, reflecting wider staffing challenges within public authorities.

January expansion raises concerns

ACI Europe Director General Olivier Jankovec has warned that the current difficulties are occurring while only 10% of eligible third-country nationals are subject to registration. Under the EES implementation calendar, this threshold is due to rise to 35% from 9 January 2026. Without rapid corrective action, Jankovec cautions that airports and airlines could face far more severe congestion, systemic disruption and heightened safety risks.

Call for flexibility in implementation

While reaffirming its full support for the objectives of the Entry-Exit System, ACI Europe stresses that implementation must not come at the expense of passenger experience and operational stability. The organisation has urged the European Commission and Schengen Member States to urgently review the rollout and allow greater flexibility if the system cannot be stabilised in the coming weeks.

As International Investment experts report, the difficulties surrounding the EES rollout represent a growing structural risk for European aviation and tourism. Persistent airport congestion undermines passenger confidence, raises operational costs and weakens the investment outlook for airport infrastructure, making swift regulatory intervention essential to protect the resilience of the EU travel market.