As of Sunday, a temporary measure allowing European Union countries to suspend parts of the Entry-Exit System (EES) during peak travel times has come to an end. This change comes after biometric registration requirements were enforced throughout the EU starting in April, and now border authorities must manage without this flexibility.
Ryanair, Europe’s most prominent budget airline, is urging the European Commission to extend the pause on these biometric checks until at least April 2027. The airline contends that additional time is needed for airports and border agencies to resolve technical issues with kiosks, hire sufficient staff, and ensure the system is dependable before it is fully enforced.
Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, criticized the EU’s management of the EES, labelling it ineffective from the outset. He noted that Brussels neglected warnings from the industry about potential delays due to the system. Ryanair also stated that passengers are bearing the consequences of what it describes as a malfunctioning system.
Reporting based on coverage first published by skift.com.