EU Entry-Exit System’s full operations sees disruptions mount

The first days of full operations of the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) have been marked by passenger disruptions, delays, and missed flights.

For months, ACI EUROPE – along with industry partners Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – have warned about the EES operational rollout challenges. On 11 February, the three organisations warned that failing immediate action to provide flexibility, queues of up to 4 hours or more could be seen in the peak summer months.

It became mandatory to register all third-country nationals as of 31 March, and Member States are no longer permitted to fully suspend EES operations as of the end of the transition period (on 9 April). This combination – alongside the travel peak of the Easter holidays – has resulted in passenger waiting times of 2 to 3 hours at airport border control, despite the use of partial suspension of the system. There has also been a significant disruption to flight operations, as passengers delayed due to prolonged border processing times are missing flight departures. On the first full day of operations (10 April), one flight to the UK was missing 51 passengers, whilst another flight had zero passengers on board at gate closing time – with 12 yet to reach the gate 90 minutes later.

Commenting on the first full day of operations, Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, said: “While we will continue to closely monitor developments in the coming days, it is already evident that greater flexibility is immediately needed. Border control authorities must be allowed to fully suspend the EES when waiting times become excessive. This is essential not only in the coming weeks, but throughout the peak summer travel season. Our support for the EES and its objectives is unwavering. However, strengthening border management must not come at the expense of operational efficiency or the passenger experience. Safeguarding Europe’s reputation as an accessible and well-functioning tourist and business destination is at stake, particularly as air travel is already facing significant disruption due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.”

Find ACI EUROPE’s continued advocacy on the topic below.

PRESS RELEASE
10 April 2026: Entry-Exit System disruptions on first day of full operations affirm yet again the immediate need for flexibility

PRESS RELEASE
30 March 2026: Disruption risks mounting with full Schengen Entry-Exit System rollout kicking in during Easter travel peak

PRESS RELEASE
11 February 2026: Airports and airlines call for immediate Schengen Entry-Exit System review ahead of peak summer months traffic

PRESS RELEASE
18 December 2025: Review of Schengen Entry-Exit System urgently needed to avoid systemic disruptions impacting passengers