At issue is the implementation of the new Entry and Exit System (EES) in the Schengen Area, which could lead to waiting times exceeding four hours at airports.
According to a joint statement sent to European Commissioner Magnus Brunner, the sector points to the "chronic staff shortage" in border services and unresolved technological problems as the main obstacles to the smooth flow of travel.
The EES system, designed to replace manual stamps with biometric and digital records, has been gradually implemented since October 2025 and is expected to reach full coverage of passengers from third countries by April, coinciding with the start of the peak season.
Given this scenario, carriers and airport managers are urging Brussels to allow Member States to suspend the system in whole or in part until the end of October 2026.
The aim of this flexibility measure is to prevent operational collapse at airports during the peak tourist season, ensuring that border security does not compromise the viability of air operations.
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You published an article on 11 Feb stating that the implemenation of the EES was to be delayed until September 2026. Today's article appears to contradict or at least draw the postponement into question. Which is it? Is the EES roll-out being delayed until September or will travelers need to deal with it before then?
By JoAnn Shorter from Other on 13 Feb 2026, 11:30