‘Nightmare’ queues and missed flights: readers report turbulent start to EU entry-exit system
Some travellers spent hours in lines at airport, with kiosks not working, little seating and few staff on hand to help Some travellers passing through the new EU entry-exit system (EES) have faced huge delays at border checks, with some waiting for up to three hours , airports say. The new rules have gradually been introduced in Europe since October 2025, and came into effect on Friday in the Schengen countries – 25 of the EU’s 27 states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Conti
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Crowds gathered at passport control areas at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam following the introduction of a new European digital border control system Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenCrowds gathered at passport control areas at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam following the introduction of a new European digital border control system Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesAirline industry‘Nightmare’ queues and missed flights: a turbulent start to EU entry-exit systemSome travellers spent hours in lines at airport, with kiosks not working, little seating and few staff on hand to helpAlfie Packham and Nicola SlawsonThu 30 Apr 2026 04.25 EDTFirst published on Thu 30 Apr 2026 01.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSome travellers passing through the new EU entry-exit system…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from the Guardian
