Longer Queues, Slower Borders: The EES Challenge

This document outlines immediate, short-term solutions to address the operational strain caused by the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), particularly in the context of increased summer passenger flows. As traffic intensifies, the combination of longer processing times, uneven system connectivity across member states, and evolving passenger behaviors is creating significant pressure at EU borders.

The full deployment of EES has significantly increased the time required to process passengers at border control, in some cases by a factor of two or three^[1]. This is compounded by inconsistent response times between national systems and the centralized EES infrastructure, with some member states benefiting from near-instant connections while others experience delays due to intermediary national systems. As a result, congestion is not only increasing but also becoming less predictable across different entry points.

Airports are at the forefront of this pressure and must rapidly adapt to absorb higher passenger volumes combined with slower processing rates. The challenge is no longer simply one of capacity, but of flow management under constraint. Longer wait times at border control directly impact connection flights, particularly in major hubs where minimum transfer times are tightly calibrated. As delays accumulate, missed connections are expected to rise significantly.

In parallel, airports must also account for behavioral shifts among passengers. A notable increase in individuals declaring disabilities to access priority boarding is altering boarding dynamics and resource allocation^[2]. While EU regulations prevent verification of such claims, this trend must nonetheless be integrated into operational planning to avoid further disruption.

For member states, the central challenge is to preserve internal security while preventing border systems from becoming overwhelmed. The complexity introduced by EES is not solely procedural but also technical, as disparities in system connectivity create uneven processing speeds across the Union. Immediate responses therefore require a combination of human and technical adjustments.

Increasing the number of personnel at border control remains one of the most direct levers to offset longer processing times. Similarly, deploying additional staff at key entry points during peak hours can help stabilize throughput. While the deployment of additional kiosks may appear beneficial, their impact is limited if passengers must still pass through border guards whose numbers remain unchanged. In certain cases, member states may also consider adapting the intensity of EES procedures, where feasible, to alleviate pressure without compromising core security objectives.

Airlines, for their part, play a crucial role in managing passenger expectations before arrival. A key issue lies in the lack of awareness among travelers regarding the variability of border procedures depending on the arrival airport and its technical integration with EES. This informational gap contributes directly to confusion and delays on the ground.

To address this, airlines must provide clear, airport-specific information to passengers ahead of travel, explaining both the additional steps required under EES and the expected impact on processing times. Reassurance is equally important. Simple communication tools, such as short explanatory videos, can help passengers understand what to expect and how to prepare, thereby reducing friction at border control.

All indicators suggest that the system must now brace for impact. Longer queues and extended waiting times are unavoidable in the short term. The objective is therefore not to eliminate disruption, but to minimize its negative effects on both operations and passenger experience.

Attention must be given to transit passengers, as well as to European citizens. Current infrastructure often creates bottlenecks where no effective distinction is made between EU and non-EU travelers. This results in situations where European passengers face significant delays due to generalized congestion. Addressing this requires the creation of dedicated flows for EU citizens from the earliest stages of the process, to prevent system-wide blockages.

LAM LHA is a capable partner in bridging technological constraints, regulatory frameworks, and operational realities, enabling the aforementioned stakeholders to move from reactive responses to coordinated, immediate action.  

Get in touch (hello@lam-lha.com).

^[1] Jon Henley, ‘New EU entry-exit system causing up to three-hour delays, say airports’ The Guardian(London, 15 April 2026)<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/15/eu-entry-exit-system-ees-delays-airports-border-checks>accessed 16 June 2026.

theguardian

^[2] ‘Frontier Airlines says its facing “widespread abuse” of wheelchair service’ Fox Business (23 May 2024)<https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/frontier-airlines-says-its-facing-widespread-abuse-wheelchair-service>accessed 16 June 2026.

foxbusiness

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