Ryanair Urges EU Governments to Postpone New Entry-Exit System
Ryanair has urged European Union governments to postpone the introduction of the bloc's new automated Entry-Exit System (EES) until autumn 2024. The airline warned that proceeding with the system's launch as planned, ahead of the peak summer travel period, risks significant queues and extensive disruption for passengers across European airports.
Concerns Over System Readiness
The EES, a new automated IT system for registering travellers from outside the Schengen area, is slated for rollout this year. It will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection, including fingerprints and facial scans. However, Ryanair, along with other industry bodies, has voiced concerns regarding the readiness of the necessary infrastructure and staffing at various border control points.
A spokesperson for Ryanair highlighted that many EU airports, particularly those in popular holiday destinations, are inadequately prepared for the increased processing times the EES will necessitate. The airline argues that a premature launch could lead to substantial delays, negatively impacting holidaymakers and the broader travel industry.
Call for Delay
The budget carrier's intervention follows similar warnings from ferry operators and other airlines, all advocating for a delay. They suggest that pushing back the implementation would provide member states with additional time to install sufficient self-service kiosks and train border personnel, thereby mitigating the risk of operational chaos during the busiest travel months. Western European governments have remained largely unresponsive to these concerns, ostensibly prioritising border security upgrades. However, critics point out that these systems also serve to bolster external border control, aligning with broader EU objectives to regulate migration and movement.
