EU's New Border System Sparks Chaos: Triple the Wait Times for Travelers

The European Union's recently implemented Entry Exit System (EES) has been causing significant disruptions for travelers, with wait times at passport control nearly tripling. According to Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer at Rome's Fiumicino airport, the average wait time for UK nationals has increased from 7 minutes to 20 minutes. The EES, which requires non-EU citizens to register their fingerprints and a photo upon arrival, has been plagued by technical issues and inefficiencies. Despite efforts to improve the system, including the integration of e-gates, the process remains cumbersome. Travelers have reported missing flights due to extended wait times, and airlines such as Ryanair have warned passengers to prepare for delays. The European Commission has acknowledged the issues but maintains that disruption is limited in most EU airports.