The chief executive of a Greek airport operator managing 14 facilities has become the latest voice demanding significant reforms to the EU’s relatively new entry-exit system, which screens non-EU passengers through biometric collection and verification procedures at Schengen zone borders.
Alexander Zinell of Fraport Greece described conditions at his airports as “very unpleasant for passengers, and even dangerous,” noting that his facilities have been forced to install gazebos to provide sun protection for travelers waiting in processing queues. Vulnerable passengers have required prioritization through security protocols to protect their welfare. The system, which collects fingerprints and photographs from arriving non-EU visitors and verifies them upon each subsequent crossing, was first introduced last October.
Zinell’s airports, which include destinations such as Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete, handle substantial numbers of non-EU tourists, particularly from the UK. While Greek authorities have indicated they will not process UK passengers through the full biometric system, no formal legal exemption exists. The airport executive emphasized that border police flexibility to suspend checks during peak periods—a provision scheduled to expire in September—represents the only factor preventing operational breakdown.
The complaints extend beyond Greece, with carriers and airport authorities across multiple European nations reporting passenger difficulties. The International Air Transport Association has requested a suspension of the controls until next summer, citing concerns about congestion at popular travel hubs. Airlines including Ryanair have warned of significant queue problems at holiday destinations across southern Europe. British ferry operators and port authorities have raised alarms about potential disruption at Dover as school summer holiday travel begins.
EU officials have acknowledged the system requires improvements but have declined to implement temporary suspensions. Authorities indicated that while approximately 1,500 border crossing points exist, only around 20 represent significant problem areas, and they plan to coordinate with member states on measures to alleviate bottlenecks.
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