Stefan Schulte, the President of Airports Council International (ACI) in Europe and head of Fraport, has voiced significant concerns regarding the operational capacity of the European Union’s new Entry-Exit System (EES). The EES, which utilizes biometric data to monitor the entry and departure of non-European Union citizens, has been implemented across EU borders over recent months. Schulte publicly questioned the assurances provided by EU politicians regarding the smooth functioning of the new system.
He specifically highlighted operational bottlenecks affecting airport throughput. According to Schulte, the current infrastructure is struggling to manage passenger flow, noting that during peak periods, travelers are experiencing wait times extending for hours. These concerns cast doubt on the system’s immediate scalability.
Schulte expressed uncertainty about how airports will manage the anticipated rise in passenger volume in the coming weeks, given the current delays. The introduction of the EES at major EU airports has fundamentally altered border control procedures, requiring detailed biometric verification for many visitors. The industry leader urged EU policymakers to acknowledge these practical difficulties rather than suggesting the system is operating without issues.
The emphasis remains on the gap between the regulatory implementation of the EES and the current operational capacity of the ground infrastructure managing the movement of international travelers.
Topics: #system #travelers #hours
