ACI EUROPE, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and IATA have jointly warned that the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) could cause border queues of up to four hours or more during the peak summer months unless immediate flexibility is granted. In a letter to EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, the groups cited persistent waiting times of up to two hours at current registration levels (35% of third-country nationals), and identified three critical issues: chronic understaffing, unresolved technology problems with border automation, and limited uptake of the Frontex pre-registration app by Schengen states. They urged the European Commission to confirm that member states retain the ability to partially or totally suspend EES until the end of October 2026, warning that under Regulation 2025/1534, suspension mechanisms would no longer be available beyond early July.
This latest appeal follows prior coverage of EES rollout disruptions. On 10 April 2026, ACI EUROPE and A4E had already urged flexibility after the system’s first full day caused widespread delays, with airports reporting 2–3 hour waits and missed flights. Commissioner Brunner had earlier sought to smooth the rollout, aiming for full functionality by mid-April 2026 while acknowledging airline concerns about up to two-hour delays. The aviation bodies now argue that the situation has not improved and will worsen as summer traffic doubles.
The letter highlights a cleavage between operational efficiency and regulatory enforcement. On one hand, granting suspension flexibility would protect passenger experience and Europe’s travel-friendly image, benefiting airlines, airports, and travellers. On the other, maintaining strict EES compliance supports border security and migration control objectives, favoured by EU regulatory bodies and member states. The aviation groups stress that without action, the EU risks reputational damage as a desirable destination, while border authorities face pressure to balance security with throughput.