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The upcoming implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled for autumn 2024 after the Paris Olympics, is causing significant concern within the travel industry, particularly among airlines. This system, initially proposed in 2008 and delayed due to its complexity, aims to enhance border security and manage the stay of non-EU nationals in the Schengen area. The EES will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process that requires travelers to scan their passports at self-service kiosks, recording their name, travel document details, and biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.
Airlines, including Ryanair Holdings plc and its affiliates Ryanair, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air, have voiced concerns over the EES’s impact on their operations. The major issue revolves around the EES’s mandate for travel companies to obtain approval on passengers’ data 48 hours before departure, a requirement considered too restrictive by the industry. This “hard” 48-hour deadline is expected to hinder last-minute ticket sales, a crucial aspect of airline revenue.
Ryanair’s submission to the UK’s House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee, which has launched an inquiry into the EES’s impact, highlights the perceived mismanagement of the project by EU-LISA, the agency responsible for the IT system. The airline industry is particularly frustrated with the absence of test environments for the EES, leaving companies unprepared for the system’s implementation. Furthermore, Ryanair points out the lack of clarity in handling potential system outages and the significant duplication of effort caused by the high number of individuals exempt from the EES. EU citizens, non-EU citizens needing a visa for EU entry, and non-EU citizens residing in EU countries are not subject to EES, thereby requiring airlines to maintain multiple systems and processes.
The implications of the EES extend beyond airline operations to broader concerns within the travel sector. Representatives from Eurostar, Getlink, and the Port of Dover have expressed worries about possible disruptions, especially in areas with ‘juxtaposed’ border controls, where EU checks occur on UK soil. These concerns were echoed in a UK parliamentary committee meeting, which also heard from representatives of the UK tourism industry.
The introduction of the EES has prompted calls from European airlines for a public campaign to educate third-country nationals about the new requirements, underscoring the need for widespread awareness among travelers. This initiative is vital to minimize confusion and disruptions as the new system takes effect.
In summary, while the EES system is designed to bolster security and regulate the duration of stay in the Schengen area for non-EU nationals, its introduction is met with significant apprehension from the airline industry. Concerns include the challenge of integrating new procedures, potential operational disruptions, and the need for increased public awareness. The success of the EES’s implementation will depend largely on the collaboration and preparedness of all stakeholders involved.
