Airport operators and airlines have raised fresh concerns over the European Union's new digital border control system, warning that long queues for non-EU travellers could lead to significant disruption during the summer holidays.
The EU's Entry-Exit System (EES), introduced to modernise border security, requires travellers from outside the bloc to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, when entering most Schengen countries. The information is then verified when they leave.
However, several airports say the system is creating lengthy delays, particularly during peak travel periods.
Berlin Airport chief executive Aletta von Massenbach said some non-EU passengers arriving at the airport are waiting between one and two hours at passport control, particularly at terminals used by Ryanair and Wizz Air.
She said the current system is too complex, with individual EU member states using different technologies, making border processing less efficient.
"The situation is not bearable over the summer," von Massenbach warned, adding that airport operators had raised the issue during high-level discussions in Brussels.
The concerns extend beyond Germany. At the Port of Dover, where French border checks are carried out before travellers cross the Channel, technology problems have delayed the rollout of EES.
Although a new processing area equipped with 84 biometric kiosks has been installed, the equipment has yet to become operational because the necessary French border technology has not been activated.
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister told UK lawmakers that time was running out before the peak holiday season and warned that delays could become a major issue if the problems are not resolved quickly.
Passengers have also reported significant disruption.
One British traveller, Anne Robinson, said she and her 13-year-old son missed their return flight from Rome after spending around 90 minutes waiting to complete EES procedures. She said many of the biometric machines at the airport were out of service, forcing travellers into long queues.
The family eventually had to purchase new flights two days later at a cost of £250, an expense that was not covered by their travel insurance.
Airline industry groups, including Airlines UK and Airlines for America, have criticised the uneven implementation of the system and called on the European Commission and member states to introduce contingency measures while technical issues are addressed.
Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy also questioned the continued rollout of the system where infrastructure remains incomplete, saying temporary flexibility would provide a much better experience for holidaymakers.
Airport industry body ACI Europe has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that border waiting times have reached as much as five hours at some airports during busy periods and could worsen as summer travel demand increases.
The European Commission acknowledged that challenges remain but said efforts are continuing to minimise disruption for travellers. It added that, in most airports, the impact has been limited and noted that delays are often linked to shortages of border officers, infrastructure and automated equipment provided by individual member states.