IATA is calling for an extension of EES flexibility: Europe faces new border queues
IATA warns that abolishing the possibility of temporarily relaxing biometric checks after 6 September could once again increase queues at European borders. Airlines are demanding that this option remain available at least until the end of the winter season.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stepped up pressure on the European Union just days before the expiry of temporary measures that allow member states to partially suspend the biometric part of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Thomas Reynaert, IATA's Senior Vice President for External Relations, at a media briefing in Brussels on 3 September requested that this option remain available until the end of the winter season. At the same time, IATA is not asking for a postponement of the EES, but rather the retention of a mechanism that allows border services to react when waiting times become too long.
The deadline expires after the summer system test
EES is fully operational from 10 April 2026 at the external borders of 29 European countries. The system for third-country travellers digitally records entries and exits and collects facial images and fingerprints.
Under European regulations, member states can, in exceptional circumstances, temporarily suspend the collection of biometric data when traffic causes excessive queues. This transitional provision ceases to apply at the beginning of September.
IATA is calling for more reliable technology and increased capacity
According to IATA, the problem is not just the number of passengers. Over the summer, software and equipment issues were recorded, along with an insufficient number of border control officers and inconsistent availability of self-service kiosks and automated gates.
The industry is particularly advocating for the wider use of advance passenger pre-registration before arrival at the border. As early as June, IATA called for an extension of the possibility of a partial suspension of the EES and clearer standards according to which such a measure would be activated.
Risk is not the same at all borders
For Adriatic region the issue is particularly relevant at Croatia's external Schengen borders and along the routes used by travellers from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania to enter Schengen. Longer waiting times can also affect transfers, organised tours and flight schedules.
Nine European countries had already requested the continuation of flexibility after 6th September during the summer. Brussels, however, had not officially announced a new permanent solution by the beginning of September.
