The new European automated passport control system is causing serious concern in the airline industry as the peak season approaches. Ryanair believes the system is not ready to handle the expected influx of travelers this summer at airports across the European Union. The Irish airline warns of the risk of chaotic queues, particularly at several European airports, including Paris-Beauvais.
A system still considered too fragile
The system in question is the EES, or Entry/Exit System. It is designed to automate the screening of travelers arriving from countries outside the European Union and moving within the Schengen Area for short stays. It relies on kiosks that electronically register and verify passenger data, including biometric information. The objective is to improve control over entries, exits, refusals of entry, and lengths of stay for nationals of non-EU countries.
Professionals point to the lack of resources
Ryanair claims the system is not ready for the peak season. The airline cites staff shortages, an insufficient number of kiosks, and still-limited operational systems. According to the company, these weaknesses could lead to a significant increase in waiting times at borders, particularly at airports already heavily congested during holiday travel periods.
The company is requesting a postponement until September.
Faced with these risks, Ryanair is calling on European governments to suspend the rollout of the system during the summer. The airline is requesting a resumption of the schedule in September, once the school holidays are over and the pressure on airports has eased. This warning aims to avoid a full rollout at a time when the infrastructure is under the greatest strain.
Stricter controls at Schengen borders
The EES is intended to strengthen the reliability of checks at the external borders of the Schengen Area. The system should also contribute to the fight against irregular immigration and to better monitoring of short-term stays. However, its deployment is raising concerns because it fundamentally alters control procedures. Affected travelers will have to go through additional automated steps, particularly those related to the recording of biometric data.
A tense summer for airports
The issue is sensitive for both airlines and airport operators. In the event of malfunctions or capacity shortages, border controls could significantly slow down passenger flow. Ryanair believes the current schedule exposes travelers to substantial delays. The airline is therefore asking European authorities to prioritize a temporary postponement rather than launching the service during the peak summer travel period.
