Alexander Zinell, chief executive of Fraport Greece which operates 14 airports across the country, has joined mounting criticism of the EU’s entry-exit system following implementation challenges at his facilities. The system requires non-EU travelers to submit fingerprints and photographs upon entering the Schengen area and verification each time they cross the border. Zinell’s airports have resorted to installing gazebos to provide shade for passengers waiting in processing queues, while staff have prioritized vulnerable individuals through expedited screening procedures.
Zinell characterized the current conditions as problematic for passenger experience and raised safety concerns. He noted that Greek authorities have informally declined to process UK visitors, who constitute the primary non-EU tourist demographic at his airports including Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete. Though EU regulations permit border authorities to suspend checks during peak periods, this flexibility expires in September, and Zinell argued these measures represent only temporary solutions rather than addressing fundamental system deficiencies.
The airport operator advocated for a redesigned system allowing pre-registration before travel to airports, representing a significant departure from the current arrival-based approach. Similar concerns have emerged across southern Europe, with reports of delays and missed connections affecting travelers in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Belgium. The International Air Transport Association has formally requested a suspension of controls through next summer due to anticipated disruptions at holiday destinations.
British passenger ferry services face potential disruptions as well, with the Home Office indicating it will seek suspension of checks at Dover ahead of peak summer holiday travel. The port previously experienced four-and-a-half-hour delays during the May half-term period and anticipates substantially higher vehicle volumes during school holidays. Despite acknowledging system imperfections, EU authorities have declined temporary suspension requests, stating that only a small portion of border crossing points face significant challenges and that member states should implement localized remedial measures.
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