Rome airports warn EU biometric checks may be suspended as summer travel chaos looms

Rome sounds the alarm

The chief executive of Aeroporti di Roma, Marco Troncone, told the Financial Times that the new European Entry-Exit System (EES) is proving incompatible with the passenger volumes expected this summer. He warned that the only way to avoid chaos at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports may be to suspend the biometric checks entirely.

“The process proves to be incompatible with the peak volumes that we are going to face. So the only way is to open up the valve. There is no way that we can deliver 100% of the enrolment.”

Troncone’s comments reflect frustration that has been building since the system became fully operational in April. Airport operators report that self-service kiosks frequently fail, and even travellers who have already registered are often forced to repeat the entire procedure, worsening congestion.

How the Entry-Exit System works

The EES requires all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area for short stays (90 days within any 180-day period) to register biometric data – fingerprints, facial recognition and iris scans – alongside passport information at their first point of entry. The system replaced manual passport stamping and applies to 29 countries: 25 EU member states (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

A gradual rollout began on 11 October 2025, when only 10% of eligible passengers were processed. Full operation started on 10 April 2026, although Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano reports 17 April as the date the system went live. Since then, the European Commission says more than 1,100 people flagged as security threats have been identified.

Growing discontent across Europe

Rome is not alone. Airport authorities in Greece have already signalled they may suspend the EES during the summer months, and the country has exempted British tourists from the biometric checks until September. France and Portugal have both halted the system repeatedly after their airports went into meltdown.

“The processes need to work better. We need the self-service stations to work, and at the moment they don’t.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) fears waiting times at the most congested airports could reach six hours. Airlines are advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure and are not guaranteeing automatic protection on connections if delays are caused by the checks. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that EES-linked border delays could jeopardise up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism spending across the EU.

Commission defends the system

A European Commission spokesperson told the Financial Times that a single EES check takes 70 seconds and that the regulation already allows member states to suspend biometric data collection when exceptional circumstances cause excessive waiting times.

“The EES rules ensure the flexibility needed to keep borders fluid, since biometric data collection can be suspended when exceptional circumstances lead to excessive waiting times.”

Brussels points to the security gains and insists the architecture is sound. Airport operators counter that the promised flexibility has yet to translate into operational relief on the ground.