Ryanair Calls for Extended Entry/Exit System Relief Amidst Border Chaos

Airlines are urging European authorities to prolong temporary measures designed to ease the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Ryanair, a major European carrier, is leading the charge, requesting an extension of flexibility until at least April 2027. The airline points to ongoing issues with passport kiosks, insufficient staffing, and resulting long queues as reasons for the continued disruption. This plea comes as a temporary congestion buffer for the system expired on September 6, 2026, leaving border posts without an easy way to pause biometric checks during peak times.

The EES is a significant change for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area. It replaces manual passport stamps with digital records, capturing fingerprints and facial images. While the system began its rollout in October 2025 and became fully operational in April 2026, the summer months saw considerable delays. Airports in Krakow, Lisbon, Milan, and Rome experienced waits of two to three hours, with some exceeding four hours. The end of the temporary relief means border posts must now process all travelers under the full system, even when facing high volumes.

The End of the Summer Buffer

Before September 6, 2026, European member states had the option to temporarily suspend parts of the EES when severe queues formed at border crossings. This flexibility acted as a crucial buffer during the busy summer travel season, allowing authorities to manage passenger flow more effectively. For travelers, this meant that during peak pressure, some biometric data collection might have been delayed or handled differently to speed up the process. The airline industry, particularly carriers like Ryanair, relied on this temporary measure to mitigate the impact of the new system on flight schedules and passenger experience.

After September 6, 2026, this formal flexibility was removed. Border posts no longer have a designated option to pause parts of the EES when lines become excessively long. This means that first-time biometric enrollment, which requires capturing fingerprints and facial images, must now proceed alongside regular passport control processing, even during periods of high demand. The system’s full checks are in effect, potentially leading to longer wait times if the infrastructure and staffing are not adequate to handle the volume.

Ryanair’s Criticisms of System Readiness

Ryanair has been vocal about the shortcomings it perceives in the EES rollout, particularly in Spain. The airline claims that Spanish authorities have not adequately prepared the system, citing a lack of sufficient staffing, incomplete system readiness, and a failure to install enough kiosks. These issues, according to Ryanair, contribute directly to the lengthy delays travelers are experiencing. The airline argues that airports and border authorities need more time to address these infrastructure and personnel challenges before the system can operate smoothly without temporary relief.

The airline’s request for an extension until April 2027 stems from the belief that current preparations are insufficient. They highlight faulty kiosks, limited staffing at border control points, and insufficient access to automated gates as key problems. These factors combine to create bottlenecks that significantly slow down passenger processing. Ryanair believes that without additional time to rectify these issues, the EES will continue to cause considerable disruption for travelers throughout the upcoming winter season and beyond.

The European Commission’s Perspective

In contrast to Ryanair’s concerns, a spokesperson for the European Commission offered a more optimistic view. On September 1, 2026, the Commission stated that the EES had “broadly worked well over the summer.” While acknowledging that “some adjustments are needed at certain border crossing points,” the overall assessment suggested that the system was functioning as intended for the most part. This position contrasts with the airline’s call for a longer derogation, indicating a difference in opinion regarding the system’s current operational status and the urgency of further relief measures.

The Commission’s stance suggests that they believe the system is largely functional, with only minor improvements required at specific locations. This perspective implies that the temporary relief measures may not be as critical as Ryanair suggests. However, the ongoing issues reported at various airports indicate that the reality on the ground might be more challenging than the official assessment suggests, leading to continued debate about the need for extended flexibility.

Industry Support for Extended Relief

Beyond Ryanair, other industry figures have also expressed the need for continued flexibility. Thomas Reynaert of IATA emphasized that extending partial suspensions of the EES is “absolutely necessary until the end of the winter season.” He pointed to the need for the full deployment of self-service kiosks, automated gates, and adequate border staffing before authorities can enforce the system without the temporary safety net. This sentiment from a major aviation organization underscores the widespread concern within the travel industry about the current state of EES readiness.

The call for extended relief is not limited to airlines. The need for robust infrastructure and sufficient personnel is a shared concern across the travel sector. Ensuring a smooth transition to the new biometric system is seen as essential for maintaining efficient travel operations and positive passenger experiences. The industry’s collective voice suggests that the challenges associated with the EES rollout are significant and require a more extended period of adjustment.

Varying Approaches to Implementation

The implementation of the EES is not uniform across all border crossings, leading to different experiences for travelers. For instance, Eurostar has indicated that the phased rollout of the EES continues, with enrollments still being completed manually by border officers. This approach keeps the registration process under the direct supervision of border staff while the broader system evolves. It suggests a more cautious and controlled implementation at certain points of entry.

Conversely, Eurotunnel is awaiting formal clearance from French authorities to implement full biometric checks. A spokesperson stated that the operator is “ready to implement full biometric checks as soon as formal clearance is granted.” This indicates a readiness to adopt the complete system once official approval is given. These differing approaches highlight the uneven pace of implementation across various border points, reflecting the complexities and varied capacities of different national authorities in adopting the new technology and procedures.

The Path Forward for Travelers

Until further adjustments are made or the requested extension is granted, passengers crossing the affected borders can expect a process that may combine digital registration, manual interventions, and potential delays. The system’s effectiveness is currently dependent on the readiness of kiosks, the availability of automated gates, and the number of border staff assigned to manage passenger flow. Travelers are advised to stay informed about specific airport procedures and potential wait times. The ongoing situation underscores the need for continued dialogue between airlines, border authorities, and the European Commission to ensure a smoother travel experience for everyone.

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