An aviation economist has raised concerns about potential disruptions that holidaymakers may encounter at three major European airports following the implementation of the European Union’s new Entry-Exit system.
Oliver Ranson highlighted the risk of airports facing operational challenges, leading to passenger congestion and possible flight diversions or cancellations. He identified Athens, Bucharest, and Milan Malpensa airports as particularly vulnerable to gridlock once the new system takes effect on October 12 this year.
The Entry-Exit system, known as EES, is an automated IT solution designed to register visitors from non-EU countries at EU borders more efficiently than the current manual passport stamping process. This system will gather biometric information from British travelers, including fingerprints or photographs, upon their initial entry into Schengen zone nations.
EES will collect personal details, fingerprints, facial photographs, and travel documents to monitor arrivals and departures within the Schengen area, ensuring accurate record-keeping and border security. The system aims to replace traditional passport stamps and will be accessible to law enforcement authorities for criminal identification purposes.
British travelers will undergo biometric registration at border kiosks, providing essential data that will remain valid for three years. The European Commission asserts that EES will streamline border checks, enhance security measures, and offer detailed insights to both travelers and law enforcement agencies.
To facilitate EES implementation, the UK Government is supporting ports and carriers with funding to ensure a smooth registration process for travelers to the Schengen area. Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover are preparing to introduce kiosks and systems to handle EES checks efficiently, minimizing any impact on travel times.
In conclusion, the adoption of the Entry-Exit system is aimed at enhancing border security, improving passenger experience, and providing valuable data for law enforcement purposes within the Schengen zone. Travelers are encouraged to cooperate with the new registration requirements for a safer and more efficient entry process.
