EES. Photo: Shutterstock Ryanair is calling on the European Commission to urgently extend the derogation allowing EU member states flexibility in applying the Entry/Exit System (EES), warning that passengers could face renewed border congestion after the measure expired on September 6.
The airline made the appeal on Monday, September 7, saying the derogation should be extended until at least April 2027. The temporary flexibility had allowed member states to suspend EES in certain circumstances to help prevent severe congestion at border controls.
Ryanair: Photo: Alexander Fedosov / Shutterstock.comRyanair argues that removing this option now could leave airports and border authorities with fewer ways to respond when queues become unmanageable, particularly during busy travel periods.
The airline said airlines, airports and industry organizations have repeatedly warned about problems linked to the rollout of EES, including longer processing times, limited staffing and technical problems with kiosks.
According to Ryanair, some European airports experienced border control delays of up to two or three hours during the summer, including Krakow, Lisbon, Milan and Rome.
The airline says the situation shows why additional flexibility is needed before the system becomes fully enforced.
Ryanair is calling on the European Commission to use the additional time to address technical problems with EES kiosks, increase staffing at border controls and ensure airports are equipped to process passengers efficiently.
The airline also challenged the European Commission’s assessment that EES is operating successfully, arguing that the experience of passengers at some airports has been very different.
Ryanair COO Neal McMahon described the rollout as a failure and said passengers should not bear the consequences of problems with the new border system.
“The EU’s handling of EES has been a shambles from start to finish,” McMahon said, arguing that warnings from airlines, airports and border authorities had not been adequately addressed.
He called for the derogation to remain in place until at least April 2027, saying airports and border authorities need additional time to improve infrastructure and staffing before full enforcement.
The Entry/Exit System is designed to digitally register non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area, replacing traditional passport stamping with electronic records and biometric checks.
Its introduction has required airports and border authorities to install new technology and adjust passenger processing procedures.
The transition has raised concerns about how quickly travelers can be processed, particularly at busy airports and during peak holiday periods.
For travelers, the main concern is the potential for longer waits at passport control, particularly at major European airports during busy periods.