The European aviation industry is calling for immediate intervention from EU leaders to address the growing issue of long wait times and flight delays at airports across the continent.
In a public letter released on Wednesday, European airports voiced their concerns about the current situation, citing five-hour wait times at some hubs on busy days, as well as flight delays and passengers with missed connections.
This issue has arisen before the start of the peak summer travel rush for European-based travelers, making it a pressing concern for the industry.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair has also weighed in on the issue, calling on EU leaders to suspend the EES program until September, citing its unpreparedness for peak summer volumes.
Ryanair argued that passengers and families should not be used as "guinea pigs" for a "half-baked passport control system" that risks creating long queues, missed flights, and unnecessary stress at airports.
EU leaders have responded to the situation by calling an "urgent meeting" with industry leaders, but have placed the blame on individual European countries for the recent backups.
According to the EU, member states are responsible for ensuring that the necessary operational capacity is in place, including sufficient numbers of border guards and appropriate infrastructure.
For travelers flying out of EU airports, it is essential to be mindful of the potential delays before heading to the airport.
Arriving at the airport early, even if you don't normally, is crucial to avoiding stress and potential delays.
It's also essential to prepare for the possibility of a long wait, potentially in less-than-comfortable conditions, and to have necessary items such as water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.
Finally, be cautious about spending too much time in an airport lounge or sit-down restaurant without knowing what line might be between you and your departure gate.
