European airlines and airports warn new EU border checks could cause four-hour queues and severe summer travel disruption, urging flexibility.

PARIS: European airlines and airport authorities have issued a stark warning over the new EU border entry system. They predict “severe disruption” and potential four-hour queues during the peak summer travel season.

In a joint letter, industry bodies highlighted “critical issues” causing existing delays of up to two hours at airport border controls. The groups include the European arm of the Airports Council International, Airlines for Europe and the International Air Transport Association.

They wrote to European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner to demand immediate action. The letter calls for confirmation on whether Schengen members can partially or fully suspend the new Entry/Exit System until October.

The automated EES system has been in place since October, replacing passport stamps for non-EU nationals. It collects photographs and fingerprints to improve information-sharing between the bloc’s 27 states.

Authorities say the system aims to better detect overstayers or individuals previously refused entry. The airline groups, however, cite “chronic border control understaffing” and “unresolved technology issues” as core problems.

They warn that without sufficient flexibility, severe summer disruptions are a real prospect. The phased rollout has already led to excessive waiting times, according to the industry.

 The Sun Malaysia