As Europe navigates its first peak summer travel season under mandatory enforcement of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), airlines, airport operators and ground transport specialists are warning that rigid pre-departure arrival advice risks worsening terminal landside crowding
The EES, which digitally registers non-EU short-stay travellers and captures biometric facial and fingerprint record, concluded its six-month phased rollout on 10 April 2026.
Industry associations say that border processing times have climbed by up to 70% at several key gateways, with peak-period queues extending up to five hours at heavily congested hubs.
In response to widespread media advisories urging passengers to arrive at departure airports up to four hours before scheduled flights, corporate ground transport and disruption management specialist CMAC Group has cautioned against uniform measures.
Matthew Ratcliffe, Chief Operating Officer at CMAC Group, said that: "It's understandable that travellers are concerned by reports advising people to arrive four hours before departure, particularly when a new border system is being introduced. However, a blanket approach isn't necessarily the right one.
"Passengers should continue to follow the guidance issued by their airline and departure airport, as these organisations have the clearest picture of expected passenger volumes and local operating arrangements. Where possible, allowing some additional contingency is sensible, especially during the early stages of implementation."
Ratcliffe emphasised that while initial bottlenecks are typical during large-scale operational transitions across multi-national border infrastructure, systemic efficiency should improve as kiosk familiarisation and passenger registration databases mature.
"Any large-scale change to border processing is likely to involve a period of adjustment as airports, border authorities and passengers become familiar with new procedures. It's reasonable to expect some short-term teething issues while the system settles in, but that's typical of any major operational rollout and doesn't necessarily mean significant delays will become the norm," he said.
