Berlin Airport Chief Warns EU Entry-Exit System Causes Unbearable Summer Delays
The upcoming implementation of the European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES) is expected to significantly disrupt summer travel, according to the head of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Aletta von Massenbach, BER's chief executive, stated that the anticipated waiting times at EU borders would be "not bearable" for passengers.
The EES, scheduled to launch in Autumn 2024, will require non-EU citizens, including British travellers, to register fingerprints and facial biometrics upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area. This new digital system is designed to replace manual passport stamping, but concerns are mounting over its impact on processing times, particularly at busy transport hubs.
Critics, including Ms von Massenbach, have highlighted the potential for substantial queues and operational bottlenecks, especially at air and ferry ports where large volumes of passengers will need to undergo the new registration procedures. The system's introduction follows repeated delays and technical issues, raising questions about its readiness and the preparedness of border infrastructure to handle the increased data collection requirements without causing widespread travel chaos.
