ACI Europe and A4E demand fixes for Schengen border delays

ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe (A4E) have called on the European Commission and EU member states to take urgent action to address operational failures within the Schengen Area’s Entry/Exit System (EES). Six months after its full implementation, border control wait times are regularly exceeding two hours and can reach up to five hours during peak traffic periods.

The organizations report that these delays are causing significant disruptions, including missed flights and connections, severe terminal congestion, and increased operational pressure on border agents, airport staff, and airline employees. While acknowledging that the EES has strengthened Europe’s external border security, leadership from both organizations stated that the system has failed to deliver the promised efficient and seamless travel experience.

Key structural issues identified include insufficient personnel at control points, instability in EES IT systems, limited deployment of self-service kiosks and automated gates, and restricted functionality of the ‘Travel to Europe’ pre-registration application.