The European Commission's new biometric border control system has descended into chaos, with major airlines and airport organisations calling for a temporary suspension of the measures amid reports of excessive queues and passenger distress.
Since its introduction last October, non-EU citizens - including British travellers - have been required to register fingerprints and a photograph upon arrival at their destination airport. However, industry groups report that the rollout has been plagued with issues, resulting in extensive queues and significant disruption. Travellers are facing waits of up to five hours, often outside terminal buildings or on exposed aprons, as border control facilities struggle to process arrivals quickly enough.
Industry groups, including ACI Europe, Airlines 4 Europe, and the International Air Transport Association, have written to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting severe operational challenges. They stress that border authorities, airports, and airlines are under unsustainable pressure and call for immediate intervention before the situation deteriorates further.
Several European nations have already taken unilateral action to mitigate the impact of the biometric checks. Greece has suspended the measures for British travellers until September, while French police temporarily halted extra checks at the Port of Dover in May. The head of Rome's airports has also indicated a need to suspend the system for non-EU citizens to avoid a summer "disaster".
The industry groups warn that the current situation is prompting some international travellers to reconsider trips to Europe due to excessive border delays, undermining the continent's reputation for tourism and connectivity. They argue that the EU's regulatory framework is at stake.