Europe's byzantine new entry/exit system is already causing big airport delays
Because in Europe, the answer to bureaucracy is always more bureaucracy
The passport control line at Athens airport right before Easter wasn’t just long—it was the kind of soul-crushing queue that makes you question every life choice that led you there. And Athens isn’t alone. Thanks to the shiny new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travelers, airports across Europe are now proudly competing to recreate the worst of TSA lines back in the U.S.S.R.
Oops, I meant U.S.A. Anyway…
The idea, of course, is “modernization.” The reality? Slower lines, longer waits, and a whole lot of standing around while your “biometric future” buffers in real time. Even Fraport Greece—the company running many of the country’s airports—has basically admitted, in the most corporate way possible, that yes, this is clogging things up.
They explain that the EES, part of the EU’s “Smart Borders” initiative, replaces the old passport stamp with digital records and biometric data collection. Translation: instead of a quick stamp, you now get a mini enrollment process at the worst possible moment—when hundreds of other tired travelers are also trying to leave.
Fraport Greece is doing its best to keep things moving—by adding more signs (because nothing speeds up a line like signage), more staff, and “coordination.” Meanwhile, tests are still ongoing, which is always comforting when you’re stuck in a line that isn’t moving.
To their credit, Fraport says teams are on hand to “support passengers” and “reduce congestion as much as possible,” which sounds great until you realize the congestion exists in the first place because the system isn’t quite ready for prime time.
In the meantime, travelers can look forward to longer processing times, especially during peak periods—also known as “when people actually travel.”
But don’t worry—Fraport Greece remains fully committed to making your airport experience as smooth as possible… eventually.
And if you thought getting to the airport three hours early was enough?
Think again.
