Spain still under pressure to lift new EES

What’s Happening with the New EES Border Checks?

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing long lines at European airports, especially for British travellers heading home for the summer. Airlines are warning that passengers may need to show up three hours before their flight to avoid missing connections.

Why the Delays Are Getting Worse

• Not enough staff: Many border posts are under‑staffed, so officers can’t process travellers quickly.
• Tech glitches: The automated e‑gates and computer systems that should speed things up are still buggy.
• Low use of the pre‑registration app: The Frontex app that lets travellers submit their details ahead of time is barely being used by most Schengen countries.

What This Means for Summer Travel

If nothing changes, waiting times could jump to four hours or more during July and August – the busiest travel months. That could make holiday plans stressful and cause many people to miss flights.

What Travellers Can Do Right Now

Some airports, like those in France, already allow Britons to use the PARAFE e‑gates if they have registered in the EES system or hold a valid French residency card. Checking whether your airport offers this option can shave off minutes.

Industry Calls for Action

Airports Council International (ACI Europe), Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have sent a letter to the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs. They ask the EU to:

1. Keep the option to suspend or ease EES checks until at least the end of October 2026.
2. Fix staffing shortages and upgrade the technology at border posts.
3. Encourage wider use of the pre‑registration app so travellers can skip the line.

   Conclusion

   The EES rollout is meant to make border travel smoother, but right now it’s creating headaches for Britons and other non‑European visitors. Unless the EU and member states act quickly to add staff, fix the tech, and get more people using the pre‑registration app, summer travellers could face long queues and missed flights. A little flexibility now could save a lot of stress later.

   Source

   Images Credit: www.majorcadailybulletin.com