The entry into operation of the European Entry Exit System (EES) represents one of the most significant changes in recent years regarding the management of the European Union’s external borders. EES is designed to strengthen Europe’s security by keeping a stronger electronic record of visitors into and out of the Schengen area.
The EES requires non-EU citizens to register their details before passing through passport control (either a physical check or an e-gate, with the possibility to pre-register through an app prior to traveling). In addition to standard passport information, the system asks for various pieces of information such as your destination and place of residence during your stay. Biometric information, typically a fingerprint scan, is also taken.
These additional checks, which came into full effect in April, have had a negative impact on border queues for passengers in certain locations. There have been numerous instances of long lines, especially in tourist destinations, particularly those with large numbers of British visitors. This includes Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. An unfortunate example was an EasyJet flight from Linate Milan in April which had to leave more than 100 passengers behind because they had not got through passport control in time.
In the light of these challenges, Italy’s main airport and airline associations - Assaeroporti, Aeroporti 2030, IATA, IBAR and AICALF - co-signed a joint letter addressed to the Minister of the Interior, calling for action at European level, and for the EES regulatory framework to be more flexible and better aligned with airports’ operational realities.
The air transport industry is not requesting a revision of the EES, but rather the need to reflect on how the regulatory framework translates into the day‑to‑day management of passenger flows at airports. A particularly problematic aspect concerns the functioning of e‑gates, key tools for the digitalization of border controls, which in some cases are slowed down or blocked.
Moreover, the instruments currently provided under the regulatory framework do not offer sufficient margins to manage situations of high congestion. Hence the request, set out in the joint note, to consider greater flexibility at European level in the application of the EES, including the possibility for temporary suspensions if facing critical operational conditions.
In addition to pointing out priorities for the successful implementation of EES, the industry has offered practical help: sharing operational observations and data in the interest of the effective management of passenger flows and the overall quality of service.
The industry recognizes that the Italian authorities have committed to mitigate the difficulties with EES. We hope this cooperative industry initiative will encourage a constructive dialogue between the authorities and the aviation sector, in the interests of effective management of the EES, and a smooth border experience for visitors to Italy.
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