Greek Airports Boss Demands EU Border Check Overhaul Amid Queue Chaos
Sophie Turner
The chief executive of Fraport Greece, which manages 14 Greek airports, has called for a significant overhaul of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES). He highlighted the need for temporary fixes like gazebos to shield passengers from the sun as they endure long queues.
- Fraport Greece CEO Alexander Zinell has criticised the EU's new EES border checks as 'unpleasant and dangerous'.
- Airports have resorted to using gazebos to protect non-EU passengers from the sun during processing delays.
- The EES requires non-EU visitors to have fingerprints and photos taken upon entry and verified on exit/re-entry.
- The system's current reliance on police flexibility to suspend checks is set to expire in September.
- Industry bodies like IATA and Ryanair have also reported significant delays in other EU countries, including Spain and Portugal.
Greek airports have descended into chaos as passengers face lengthy queues and blistering heat due to the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The chief executive of Fraport Greece, Alexander Zinell, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the system, describing it as "very unpleasant for passengers, and even dangerous". His comments come after airports were forced to implement makeshift measures such as gazebos to shield queuing passengers from the sun.
The EES, introduced in October 2022, requires non-EU citizens to have their fingerprints and photographs taken upon entering the Schengen area. UK travellers, a significant proportion of non-EU visitors to Greece, are subject to these checks. Although Greek authorities claim police may not consistently apply these checks to UK passengers, there is no formal legal exemption.
Mr Zinell highlighted that border police have been exercising flexibility by suspending checks during peak periods, but this provision expires in September. He urged a new system or reconfiguration allowing individuals to register their details before arrival or boarding, describing the current "temporary fixes" as unsustainable.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has joined calls for a postponement of the new controls until next summer, citing potential chaos in key holiday regions. IATA reported delays and missed connections across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Belgium, while budget airline Ryanair warned of "queue chaos" at Alicante, Málaga, and Palma airports.
The EES's impact is not limited to air travel; British cross-Channel ferry passengers may face substantial delays if French border police do not suspend checks. The Port of Dover reported four-and-a-half hour delays in May, with nearly 50% more vehicles expected from July 17. Despite these concerns, EU officials have rejected calls for a temporary suspension, citing only minor issues at specific crossing points.
Why this matters: The issues with the EU's new border checks directly impact millions of UK holidaymakers travelling to popular European destinations. Delays and uncomfortable conditions could significantly disrupt travel plans during peak seasons.
What this means for you: What this means for you: If you are a UK traveller planning a trip to an EU country, particularly popular destinations like Greece, Spain, or Portugal, you should anticipate potential delays at border control. While specific visa requirements for UK citizens remain unchanged for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), the new EES system means you will undergo biometric checks (fingerprints and photo) upon entry and exit. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises checking the entry requirements for your specific destination before travel. It is crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers potential delays, missed connections, and any unforeseen circumstances that might arise from prolonged waiting times. The cost of a typical return flight to Greece in peak summer can range from GBP 200-GBP 500, with accommodation varying widely. There are no specific FCDO warnings against travel to Greece, but all travellers are advised to check the latest guidance closer to their departure date. New routes from UK airports continue to be introduced by various airlines, offering more choices, but the EES system will apply regardless of the route.