The European Union’s new biometric border check system, designed to enhance security by collecting fingerprints and facial images from non-EU travelers, is facing calls for a temporary suspension. Airlines and airports are appealing to the EU to halt the system during the busy summer holiday months, citing significant travel disruptions. With waiting times at border controls reaching up to five hours, some flights have been forced to depart with unoccupied seats as passengers remain delayed in queues.
Since its phased introduction starting in October, the biometric system has encountered operational hurdles at various airports and border control points. These issues have prompted some airlines to delay flights, hoping to allow more time for passengers to complete the necessary checks. The travel industry is now urging the European Commission to consider suspending the checks in July and August whenever the number of travelers surpasses the capacity of border control staff.
Several countries have already taken measures to mitigate the impact of these disruptions by either reducing or temporarily halting the biometric checks. The goal is to avoid potential chaos during the peak travel season, which is expected to see millions more passengers passing through European airports. The travel industry warns that prolonged delays could harm the continent’s tourism sector and its reputation as an international travel hub.
Industry representatives argue that before the biometric system can be fully operational without causing significant delays, enhancements are necessary. These include hiring more staff, upgrading technology, and ensuring the reliability of automated systems. Without these improvements, the new system risks becoming a bottleneck, especially during times of high passenger volume.