Alexander Zinell, chief executive of Fraport Greece, which operates 14 airports across the country, has joined critics demanding significant changes to the EU’s entry-exit system (EES), a biometric screening requirement for non-EU passengers entering the Schengen zone.
The system, which became operational last October, requires visitors to provide fingerprints and photographs upon arrival and verification each time they cross in or out of the Schengen area. Zinell’s airports have faced operational difficulties including long queues, prompting the installation of protective structures to shield waiting passengers from weather conditions. Staff have also prioritized vulnerable travelers through security checkpoints to mitigate potential safety risks.
Zinell characterized the current situation as “very unpleasant” and “dangerous” for passengers. He emphasized that while border police have discretion to suspend checks temporarily during peak travel periods, this flexibility is scheduled to expire in September. He cited this temporary relief as the only measure preventing complete system failure and called for pre-departure registration capabilities to reduce airport congestion.
The operational challenges extend beyond Greece. Airlines and industry groups have reported passenger delays and missed connections in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Belgium. The International Air Transport Association has formally requested suspension of the controls until the following summer. Budget carriers and ferry operators have also warned of significant disruptions, with warnings of severe congestion at popular holiday destinations and cross-Channel transit points.
EU authorities have acknowledged the system is imperfect but have declined requests for temporary suspension, asserting that only 20 of 1,500 border crossing points are experiencing significant strain. Officials indicated member states would be required to implement measures to alleviate bottlenecks rather than suspend the checks entirely.
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