Delay flights by grounding aircraft through the EES, putting pressure on airlines

• Airlines are calling for the EES to be postponed, for fear that it will lead to delays at airports due to the need to check passengers’ documents
• After the launch of the EES, airport managers may be forced to stop operations, as in some cases the system can take up to an hour or two to process a single passenger
• In a letter dated Wednesday, 1 July, Berlin and Brandenburg airports urged the European Commission to postpone the system’s launch

After the launch of the EES (Entry/Exit System), the verification of passengers’ documents will be carried out by the system for all third-country nationals entering the EU from outside the Schengen area. However, it is expected that the system will be used by airports and airlines, which will have to process a large number of passengers. The system will be used for checking the identity of travelers and will require additional time. As a result, it may cause delays in air traffic.

The European Commission has announced that it will introduce the EES on time—«critically important» for the bloc. In the letter, published on Wednesday, 1 July, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe said that the system’s launch should not be delayed, as it would not be possible to guarantee the stability of the situation in the period of peak summer travel.

In the meantime, airlines are warning that the system may be unprepared for the start. In particular, they note that the EES could take longer to process passengers, which can lead to queues at airports. In addition, the system may require additional staff and equipment, which could create operational problems for airports.

Airlines have also pointed out that the EES could affect the punctuality of flights. They say that the system’s implementation could lead to delays, especially during peak travel periods. They also argue that the system should be tested more thoroughly before launch to ensure that it works reliably.

In a letter, Berlin and Brandenburg airports say that the system may not be ready to handle the expected passenger volumes. According to them, the EES could increase the time required for document checks, which would lead to longer waiting times and delays. They also say that the system could be particularly problematic for flights with short turnaround times.

In the meantime, the European Commission insists that the EES is necessary and that it will improve border security. It also says that the system will be introduced gradually and that airports and airlines will have time to adapt. However, airlines and airports remain concerned that the system may not function effectively at the start.

Airports Council International (ACI) Europe has warned that delaying the EES could create additional problems for airports and airlines. It says that the system is ready and that airports have already made preparations. However, opponents of the launch argue that more time is needed to ensure that the system works smoothly.

Ryanair and Wizz Air have stated that the EES could cause delays of up to «an hour to two hours». They also say that the system would be difficult to implement in practice, as it would require additional checks and could lead to bottlenecks at airports.

European airports are asking to postpone the EES launch, saying that the system could disrupt air travel. They believe that the EES would require additional time for document checks, and that this could lead to delays and cancellations of flights. They also argue that the system could be particularly problematic for flights with short turnaround times.

Meanwhile, the European Commission says that the EES is necessary to strengthen border security and that the system will be introduced on time. It also says that the system will reduce the number of errors and improve processing efficiency. However, opponents of the launch insist that the system is not ready and could cause serious operational problems.

Tags: Aviation/Europe/Politics