A policy that let countries temporarily switch off parts of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) during periods of heavy demand lapsed on Sunday. It leaves border authorities without a formal release valve for the first time since biometric registration became mandatory across the bloc in April.
Ryanair called on the European Commission to reinstate the ability for states to pause checks until at least April 2027. The carrier, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, argues that airports and border authorities need more time to fix kiosks, increase staffing and get the system operating reliably before full enforcement.
“The EU’s handling of EES has been a shambles from start to finish,” said Ryanair Chief Operating Officer Neal McMahon on Monday. He accused Brussels of ignoring repeated warnings from industry groups that the system would lengthen processing times.
Ryanair said the EU was “forcing passengers to pay the price” for what it called a failed