The EU has stated that it will not suspend the implementation of the new entry/exit system, EES, despite continued calls from airports and airlines, who appear to be getting desperate.
In a letter, Airports Council International, Airlines for Europe and the International Air Transport Association begged European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for an ‘immediate
intervention’ before the situation deteriorates further during the peak northern summer travel season.
“Since the full rollout of the EES in Apr, waiting times at border control have increased significantly, now
reaching up to five hours during peak traffic periods,” the letter states.
. . . EU Reputation
It also argued that beyond the immediate operational consequences, the reputation of the EU is at stake, with reports already suggesting that some international travellers are reconsidering trips to Europe because of the prospect of excessive border delays. “This is undermining Europe’s reputation, European tourism and.connectivity, in particular.”
According to The Guardian, EU officials have admitted that the EES was ‘not perfect’ but claim that a full
suspension is not possible, adding that out of the 1500 border crossing points the EES is at, only 20 were ‘difficult spots’.
