fully replace passport checks from 10 April but many sections of the British travel industry are not happy with how the system is struggling to operate properly and that is the most extreme cases is causing Britons to miss their flights. EES went live last October to mixed expectations, although the rollout hasn’t – yet – suffered any catastrophic collapses, but with the summer season approaching, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said has called for flexibility as travel activity ramps up.
“With full implementation of EES currently expected on 10 April, we recognise the importance of modernising border processes,“ she said. “But the current rollout raises real concerns for both travellers and the industry,” she told TTG. Lo Bue-Said said EES had presented “challenges” during off season. “Introducing EES during the busy summer period risks compounding disruption at a time when customer confidence is so critical,” she continued.
“With this in mind, we recommend proactively introducing a flexible suspension option during peak travel months to help manage operational pressures and ensure a smoother experience for travellers.
“This would allow authorities to properly assess operational pressures, ensure consistent readiness across member states, and increase staffing at key border points before scaling up further.”
Lo Bue-Said added it was vital the rollout was completed smoothly in a manner that keeps travellers in the loop. “That means clear communication to travellers, realistic expectations around the adjustment phase, and a coordinated approach that reduces pressure at the busiest entry points,” she added. “Getting this right is essential to protecting the travel experience and sustaining demand at a time when consumer confidence is already being tested by global uncertainty and rising costs.”
Abta director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge noted that while some destinations “stand down the system if there are significant delays, some aren’t doing it at all.Member states can use ‘contingency measures’ right through the summer, but we’re not seeing it in any consistent way,” he said. “There is also no guidance on what constitutes ‘significant delays’.”
ABTA says passengers’ experience of EES has been mixed, with some people having no issues at all whereas others have experienced queues or technical problems. ABTA says that as well as applying the contingency measures, destinations and border authorities need to do more to plan for peak travel periods. This should include the use of additional border guards at the busiest times. Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “The ambition of a project like EES means it was never going to go completely smoothly, and we were prepared for that.
“However, what is frustrating is that border authorities have it within their power to ease queues and deal with issues as they arise – but that doesn’t seem to be happening across the board. As the rollout expands and we head towards peak travel periods, we’re urging border authorities to plan for busy periods and use the contingency measure available. It’s critical the European Commission keeps a close eye on this throughout the rollout and beyond.”