Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE) and Airlines for Europe (A4E) urged the European Commission and EU member states to grant immediate extra flexibility in operating the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) after the system’s first day of full rollout led to widespread disruption. They noted that the system’s mandatory registration of all third-country nationals, combined with the end of full suspensions, caused long border delays and flight disruptions, despite border authorities’ use of partial suspensions. The EC reported that, when functioning at full capacity, traveller registration takes about 70 seconds on average, but airports across Schengen reported 2–3 hour waits, with examples of missed flights and gate holdbacks illustrating the operational toll. Olivier Jankovec (ACI EUROPE) and Ourania Georgoutsakou (A4E) called for immediate, proportionate flexibility so border controls can be suspended during peak times or during the upcoming summer travel season, arguing that preserving passenger experience and Europe’s reputation as a reachable destination is essential as air travel also contends with the broader Middle East crisis. Both organizations reiterated general support for the EES while stressing that efficiency and accessibility must not be sacrificed.
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