MSGID: 2:292/854 15212756   
   TZUTC: 0100   
   European airports and airlines are raising the alarm about the new Schengen   
   Entry/Exit System (EES). According to industry organizations ACI EUROPE,   
   Airlines for Europe (A4E), and IATA, the system is still causing significant   
   delays for travelers from outside the EU. Without immediate adjustments,   
   waiting times could rise to four hours or more during the busy summer months.   
       
   In a letter to European Commissioner Magnus Brunner (Home Affairs and   
   Migration), the organizations state that travelers are already waiting up to   
   two hours at border controls at airports. This is due in part to staff   
   shortages at border authorities, technical problems "particularly with   
   automated border crossings" and the limited use of the Frontex p   
   e-registration app by Schengen countries.   
       
   Currently, 35% of non-EU travelers must be registered upon entry into the   
   Schengen area. If all border crossings are made subject to the system during   
   the peak months of July and August, the industry warns, this will lead to   
   serious disruptions. Waiting times can then reach four hours or more.   
       
   The aviation sector is therefore calling on the European Commission to give   
   member states the option to partially or completely suspend the system until   
   the end of October 2026. Without this flexibility, they warn, not only airport   
   operations will be jeopardized, but also the EU's reputation as an efficient   
   and hospitable destination.   
       
   The option for suspension does exist, a European Commission spokesperson   
   stated last week. Airports can continue to operate their traditional   
   checkpoints until just after the summer.   
      
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