The European Union is reportedly considering a delay to the full enforcement of its new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) amid concerns that airports and border crossings could face severe congestion.
The biometric system, which applies to non-EU travellers entering or leaving the 29 Schengen countries, is currently scheduled for full enforcement from September 6.
However, industry sources cited by The Times claimed that EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas has privately indicated that the new checks could be temporarily suspended to prevent further disruption.
No official decision has been announced by the EU, meaning the September 6 deadline remains unchanged for now.
The possible delay could be achieved through a derogation, allowing individual countries to temporarily suspend full enforcement of the biometric checks at certain border points.
Tzitzikostas is reportedly seeking to extend the arrangement beyond the September deadline, giving airports additional time to prepare while keeping the formal rollout timetable intact.
UK raises concerns
The issue was reportedly discussed when Tzitzikostas met UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on July 14.
Britain’s Department for Transport confirmed that Alexander raised concerns about the potential impact of the EES on travellers.
Following the meeting, Alexander said: “We want everyone to have the summer holidays they deserve … yesterday’s meeting shows everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
She added: “I was reassured that the EU commissioner for transport understood the concerns of holidaymakers and recognized the need for us to work together.”
Airlines and airport operators have warned that some facilities still lack sufficient biometric equipment and staff to handle the additional checks efficiently.
The system has already been blamed for lengthy queues at some airports, with reports of passengers missing flights because of delays.
Ryanair has been among the most vocal critics, warning of “queue chaos” and arguing that airports are not adequately prepared for full implementation.
Alicante airport among those facing concerns
Alicante Airport in Spain has reportedly been identified by industry sources as one of the facilities that may not be ready for full EES enforcement.
Sources cited “insufficient staff, kiosks and system readiness” as some of the challenges facing the airport, which serves large numbers of British holidaymakers.
A major £985 million upgrade is planned for Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, including infrastructure designed to improve passenger processing. However, parts of the project are expected to continue beyond the EES deadline.
The uncertainty has also raised concerns among travellers, with a survey indicating that 20 per cent of British holidaymakers are considering cancelling European trips because of potential disruption.
How EES will affect travellers
The EES is designed to replace traditional passport stamps with digital records. Under the system, non-EU visitors will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded when entering and leaving the Schengen area.
The system began a phased introduction last October and became more widely operational in April, with further enforcement planned later in the year.
Britain has also allocated £20 million to increase passport-checking capacity at the Port of Dover, where limited space means queues can quickly affect surrounding roads.
Travellers using ferries and trains from Dover to the EU undergo certain EU border checks in Britain under the existing juxtaposed controls arrangement.
For now, the September 6 deadline remains in force. Any delay would depend on an extension of the temporary derogation rather than a formal change to the EES rollout.
Until Brussels makes a public announcement, airlines and airports remain uncertain about when full biometric checks will actually become mandatory.
