European airlines and airports are sounding the alarm over severe travel disruptions caused by the European Union’s new digital border check system, warning of potential chaos during the peak summer travel season.

An open letter published on Wednesday by top industry bodies highlighted that the recently implemented Entry/Exit System (EES) is leading to critical delays, with passengers facing queues of up to five hours and departure gates closing before flights are full.

The Airports Council International Europe, Airlines for Europe, and the International Air Transport Association collectively urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to intervene immediately. They stated that the current EES implementation is creating significant operational problems, impacting passengers and placing immense pressure on border authorities, airports, and airlines.

With millions more passengers expected in July and August compared to previous months, the lobby groups emphasized the urgent need for EU leaders to acknowledge the reality of the situation and the challenges facing the air transport system. They cautioned that without increased flexibility, existing issues will inevitably worsen, leading to a considerably more difficult travel experience for passengers.

The industry representatives expressed concern that the ongoing travel disruptions are damaging the reputation of the EU and European tourism, potentially causing international travelers to reconsider visiting the continent due to the prospect of prolonged border delays. They stressed the importance of maintaining Europe as an efficient, welcoming, and competitive destination.

The letter advocates for granting EU member states immediate flexibility to suspend the EES entirely when passenger numbers exceed operational capacities, particularly until the system's stability is assured and adequate staffing levels are achieved. This measure is seen as crucial to mitigate the escalating problems.

Previously, the EES was intended to enhance security by digitally recording the entry and exit of non-EU nationals crossing the bloc's external borders. However, its rollout has been plagued by technical glitches and operational challenges, leading to the extensive queues and disruptions now being reported.

Industry stakeholders are calling for a more pragmatic approach to border management, emphasizing that while security is paramount, it should not come at the cost of severely hindering legitimate travel and damaging the economic benefits derived from a robust tourism sector.