EU Drops Temporary Border Check Pause, Airlines Brace for Longer Queues
The European Commission allowed a temporary provision that let member states suspend parts of the Entry-Exit System during peak travel to lapse on Sunday. Ryanair is now urging Brussels to restore that flexibility until at least April 2027, arguing that airports still lack reliable kiosks and sufficient staffing. The carrier's COO called the EES rollout a 'shambles' and accused the EU of ignoring industry warnings about longer processing times.
The expiration of the temporary suspension means border authorities can no longer pause biometric checks during peak travel periods, a flexibility that had been available since the system's mandatory rollout in April. Ryanair has formally requested the European Commission restore this option until spring 2027, citing persistent equipment failures and understaffing at airports.
The airline's operations chief publicly criticized the implementation, noting that industry warnings about slower processing were disregarded. Additionally, only two member states—Sweden and Portugal—have introduced pre-registration applications, highlighting the uneven readiness across the bloc.
The removal of this flexibility could lead to significant congestion at major European hubs during upcoming holiday peaks. Passengers may face longer border waits, potentially causing missed connections, while airlines could absorb additional costs from rebooking and compensation. Smaller airports with fewer resources might struggle more, and the uneven adoption of pre-registration apps could create inconsistent travel experiences across the continent.