Ryanair asks to suspend the new EU border control system: many are losing flights due to the queues it generates

Ryanair has called for the suspension of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) until September, citing significant delays and passenger disruption. The low-cost carrier argues that the system, implemented on April 10th, is causing queues of one to two hours at border control, impacting travel during the peak tourist season. This disruption raises concerns about the readiness and impact of new digital border management technologies within the Schengen Area. The EES is an automated system designed to register biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, for non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen zone. Its introduction is particularly relevant for countries like Spain, which see a high volume of visitors from the UK, a non-EU member. The system's rollout during the start of the high travel season has exacerbated existing logistical challenges. Ryanair reports that airports in Málaga, Alicante, and the Canary Islands are experiencing these extensive delays, leading to passengers missing flights. The airline attributes these issues to a combination of understaffing, system failures, and insufficient automated kiosks to handle the passenger volume. The situation highlights the critical need for robust digital infrastructure and efficient operational planning to support advanced border control technologies.