Europe's New Border System Doubles Missed Connections as Temporary Fix Ends

European airports experienced a significant increase in missed connections and lengthy border delays over the summer, with the number of passengers missing flights doubling due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This biometric border control system, which applies to non-EU citizens including Israelis entering the Schengen Area for short stays, records entry and exit data digitally, replacing passport stamps. The system requires biometric data collection, including facial scans and fingerprints, and can take up to 90 seconds per passenger, compared to the previous 20-25 seconds.

Adding to the summer's travel woes, a temporary measure allowing border points to suspend biometric data collection during peak hours ended on September 6. This "safety valve" had helped mitigate extreme delays, but its removal has aviation industry experts concerned about a return to, or worsening of, the severe queues seen previously. Nine European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, had requested the European Commission extend this temporary suspension, citing "significant difficulties" with the EES under pressure.

The EES, which became fully operational across 29 Schengen states in April 2023, aims to enhance border security and identify overstayers. However, its initial rollout has been plagued by technical glitches, non-functional self-service kiosks, staffing shortages, and longer processing times. The Financial Times reported that maximum wait times at Frankfurt Airport reached 120 minutes in July, up from 60 minutes the previous year, while Munich and Amsterdam also saw wait times double during peak periods.

For Israeli travelers, the implications are particularly relevant for those with connecting flights within the Schengen Area. A layover in a city like Frankfurt, for instance, requires passing through Schengen border control. An extra hour spent in line could mean missing a connecting flight, a critical issue for travelers with tight schedules. Experts advise allocating significantly more time for connections involving Schengen border checks due to the ongoing uncertainty and the system's potential for delays.

It is important to distinguish the EES from the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), a separate pre-travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers, including Israelis, which is expected to launch in late 2026. The EES is currently operational and impacting border crossings.