The summer travel season is upon us, and with it, a growing concern over the new EU biometric border check system. Airlines and airports are sounding the alarm, urging a suspension of this system during the peak holiday period. The reason? A perfect storm of half-empty planes, lengthy queues, and a potential disaster for Europe's tourism and connectivity.
The Impact on Travel
The new EU system, requiring non-EU citizens to register with fingerprints and a photograph, has led to significant delays. Passengers are facing queues of up to five hours, with some planes delaying takeoff or even leaving passengers behind. This is not just an inconvenience; it's a threat to the very fabric of European tourism.
Industry's Plea
Industry groups, including ACI Europe, Airlines 4 Europe, and the International Air Transport Association, have written to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, asking for an option to suspend checks. They argue that the situation is critical, with border control facilities unable to process arrivals quickly enough. Airlines are facing the prospect of half-empty planes, a financial and operational nightmare.
A Growing Crisis
The rollout of the system has been problematic, with Greece already suspending biometric checks for British travellers until September. French police have also temporarily suspended extra checks at the port of Dover, and Rome's airports are considering a similar move. The industry groups warn that international travellers are reconsidering trips to Europe due to these excessive delays, which could have a devastating impact on Europe's reputation and tourism industry.
The Bigger Picture
This is not just about the inconvenience of long queues. It's about the sustainability of Europe's air transport system and its ability to handle the expected 40 million additional passengers in July and August. The groups are calling for an immediate intervention, highlighting the unsustainable pressure on border authorities, airports, and airlines. They argue that the ability to suspend new border checks is crucial until there are enough staff and the system is more reliable.
A Temporary Solution?
The industry groups are proposing a temporary suspension of checks during July and August, when passenger volumes are expected to exceed the operational capacity of border control facilities. They also suggest maintaining this flexibility beyond September, under clearly defined exceptional circumstances. This would provide some much-needed breathing room for the industry and allow for a more gradual implementation of the new system.
Conclusion
The new EU biometric border check system is causing significant disruption to travel and tourism. The industry's plea for a suspension during the peak holiday period is a desperate attempt to avoid a summer disaster. While the system aims to enhance security, it must also be practical and sustainable. The challenge now is to find a balance between security and the smooth flow of international travel, a delicate task for the European Commission and member states.
