Airlines warn of three-hour airport queues, call to revise EU border system

Italian airport operators and airlines have asked the government to push for urgent changes to the European Union’s new border control system, warning that it is already causing long delays for passengers.

In a joint letter to Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, several aviation associations said the recently introduced Entry/Exit System (EES) is creating significant operational problems at airports in Italy and across Europe.

Up to three-hour waits at border checks

The groups — including Assaeroporti, Aeroporti 2030, IATA, IBAR and AICALF — represent both airport operators and carriers active in Italy.

They report that passengers are facing waiting times of up to three hours at border controls when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The delays mainly affect travellers from outside the EU, who must now be registered in the new digital system.

According to the associations, these queues are already affecting the management of passenger flows and could create public order issues, especially during peak travel periods such as the summer season.

Request for temporary suspension powers

In their letter, the organisations ask that EU member states be given the option to suspend the use of the system — even entirely — when congestion reaches levels that risk disrupting airport operations.

They argue that current rules do not provide enough flexibility to deal with real-world conditions at busy airports. While acknowledging cooperation with the Interior Ministry, they say further adjustments are needed at European level to ensure smoother passenger processing.

Operational issues with e-gates

Among the main problems highlighted is the slowdown, and in some cases the temporary blocking, of automated border control gates. These e-gates are a key part of the EU’s effort to digitalise and speed up checks, but are currently contributing to bottlenecks rather than easing them.

The associations warn that without changes, the system could undermine airport efficiency precisely at times of highest demand, with knock-on effects for flights, connections and overall travel experience.

What the EES does

The Entry/Exit System is a new EU-wide database designed to register non-EU travellers each time they cross the external borders of the Schengen area. It records biometric data and entry and exit dates, replacing the traditional passport stamping system.

The reform is intended to strengthen border security and improve monitoring of short-stay travellers. However, the aviation sector says its implementation needs to be adapted to avoid severe disruptions in day-to-day airport operations.

Further discussions are expected at European level as member states and industry stakeholders assess how to address the emerging issues.

(Cover photo: Global Residence Index via Unsplash)

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