EU Ends Border 'Safety Valve' as Airlines Warn of More Delays
The EU policy that allowed member states to temporarily suspend parts of the Entry-Exit System (EES) during peak demand lapsed on Sunday. Border authorities now lack a formal release valve for the first time since biometric registration became mandatory in April. Ryanair has called on the European Commission to reinstate the ability to pause checks until at least April 2027, arguing airports and border authorities need more time to fix kiosks and increase staffing.
- Impact and considerations
- Full EES enforcement may lead to longer border processing times at European airports, impacting business traveler efficiency and increasing flight delay risks.