EU Border Delays Cause Major Headaches for Travelers This Summer

Non-EU nationals arriving in Berlin are facing frustrating waits of up to two hours due to a newly implemented digital border system, according to the airport’s boss. This situation, they say, is “not bearable over the summer.” Since its launch in April, the EU’s new border control system was designed to enhance security and streamline travel, but it appears to be stumbling at the finish line, especially during peak travel times. Reports are flooding in from various travelers who have experienced long waits at passport control, with some even missing their flights home due to these delays.

Anne Robinson from Dunbarton is one such traveler who felt the brunt of this chaotic system. She and her 13-year-old son Jack missed their flight back from Rome in June after getting stuck in a long queue. “You wouldn’t believe it,” she said, adding that they spent an agonizing time waiting. “Most of the EES machines were out of order. It was chaotic! We could see many machines just lying around, not working at all.” By the time they made it through, they had already lost their flight. “I’m not going back to Europe this year,” she declared firmly. “That was too stressful.”

With the peak summer travel season just around the corner, the pressure is mounting to resolve these issues. Airlines are urging the EU Commission and member states to take a serious look at contingency measures. “It’s time to stop pretending that everything is fine,” said von Massenbach, an airport executive. She emphasized the dire need for practical solutions as the current system doesn’t seem to be working effectively.

A high-level meeting took place in Brussels recently, highlighting the urgency of addressing these delays. Airports lobby group ACI Europe has voiced its concerns to EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, claiming wait times at border control could balloon to five hours during peak periods. This could spell disaster as the busiest travel season approaches. An EC spokesman downplayed the situation, saying the impact was “limited” in most EU airports. However, he noted that member states have struggled to provide enough border guards, adequate infrastructure, and automated equipment.

So, what’s the fate of this new border system? Will it improve in time for the summer rush? As travelers brace themselves for potential delays, one thing is clear: the situation is evolving, and the pressure is on for a resolution.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber