IATA Urges EU to Extend EES Flexibility as Border Delays Continue

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging the European Union to extend temporary flexibility measures for the Entry/Exit System (EES), warning that continued border delays could cause further disruption for travellers.

The temporary measures, which allowed Schengen countries to partially suspend EES procedures during periods of severe congestion, expired on 6 September. IATA is now calling for the option to remain available through the winter season while airports and border authorities address ongoing operational issues.

IATA Senior Vice President for External Affairs Thomas Reynaert said flexibility should remain until airports have adequate staffing, reliable EES hardware and software, fully operational self-service kiosks and automated border gates. The organisation also highlighted pre-registration tools as a potential way to reduce pressure at border control.

Several European airports have reported significant queues linked to EES processing, particularly in Spain, France, Portugal and Italy. Reported delays have affected passengers travelling through airports including Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Tenerife South, Lisbon, Porto, Rome and Naples.

The European Commission has taken a more positive view of the rollout, saying EES has broadly worked well while acknowledging that some member states still require adjustments at individual border points.

For UK travellers visiting the Schengen Area, the ongoing situation means allowing extra time for border checks is advisable. British passengers should also ensure their passports and other required travel documents are ready before travelling.

IATA's call now puts pressure on Brussels to consider whether additional flexibility should be restored as Europe moves into the autumn and winter travel seasons.

For the latest news, information, and travel hacks, read Travelapp Blogs.