Rome airports call for pause to EES checks this summer amid growing queues

Authorities at Rome’s leading airports are calling for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System to be suspended this summer over fears of disruption and long queues for passengers.

The system is ‘incompatible’ with the expected influx of tourists this summer, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma Marco Troncone, told the Financial Times, due to the increased time taken to obtain and verify biometric data of tourists visiting the bloc.

The additional tasks could lead to queues of several hours and missed flights and Rome’s airports may be forced to suspend the system during busy periods, Mr Troncone added.

It comes following several reports of new EES regulations causing delays for passengers, including long queues upon arrival in the Schengen area as well as missed flights due to biometric checks upon leaving the bloc.

Some industry leaders warn of queues of up to six hours this summer at the worst affected European airports.

Calls to suspend system this summer

Both the Fiumicino and Ciampino airports serving the Italian capital are expecting record passenger numbers this summer, partly as travellers have chosen European destinations following disruption from the conflict in the Middle East.

The EU should “open the valve” and allow for some passengers to pass through without handing over biometrics – particularly fingerprints – to avoid queues, said Mr Troncone.

The claim mirrors others from industry leaders, who argue that the full rollout of EES is affecting flights across the EU.

The rollout of EES was “marred by passenger disruptions, delays, and missed flights,” said the ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe in a joint statement.

Their "primary concerns have now become reality,” they said, following warnings before the full rollout on April 10. 

“Queuing for three hours at border control is not merely a teething issue with the EES, but a systemic failure,” said Airlines for Europe, adding that airlines were being penalised for issues beyond their control. 

EU allows for some suspension

Suspension of the EES system during the peak season is currently allowed under EU regulations.

Airports are able to suspend biometric checks for passengers entering and exiting the Schengen area (but must still digitally record all entries and exits) during busy periods until September. 

What is not allowed however is a blanket refusal to use the system at all – Greece previously said it would exempt Britons from EES requirements at all airports before backtracking. 

Brussels says the system has been largely effective at its stated aims of improving border security. 

It says most delays are currently caused by external factors – staff shortages, flight clusters arriving in close succession, a lack of infrastructure in place by airports and ports – rather than any issue with the system itself. 

Connexion readers have complained about issues when travelling to France, citing the lack of open ‘Parafe’ e-Gates as well as the three-hour arrival time recommended by flight operator Wizz Air.