The aviation industry is urging the European Union to halt its new biometric border control system temporarily during the summer peak, citing significant travel disruptions. Airlines and airports are reporting that the newly introduced system, which requires non-EU travelers to submit fingerprints and facial images, is causing long queues and delays, with some passengers experiencing waits of up to five hours at border checks. This has led to flights leaving with empty seats as travelers remain stuck in line, and in some cases, flights have been delayed to accommodate passengers still undergoing checks.
Introduced gradually since October, the biometric system aims to enhance security but has encountered operational hurdles during its rollout. With the summer travel season in full swing, industry groups are advocating for the European Commission to allow a temporary pause on these checks during July and August when passenger volumes overwhelm border control capacities. The call for action comes as several countries have already had to scale back or stop biometric checks to manage disruptions during this busy period.
Concerns are mounting that ongoing delays could tarnish Europe’s tourism industry and harm its reputation in international travel circles, particularly as airports brace for a surge of millions more passengers over the summer months. The aviation sector warns that without a pause, the current situation could lead to significant economic repercussions.
The industry representatives emphasize the need for more staffing, cutting-edge technology, and dependable automated systems to ensure that biometric checks can be conducted efficiently and without major operational challenges. Until these improvements are in place, they argue, the system should be suspended to prevent widespread disruptions and maintain smooth travel experiences for all passengers.