European air security program causing long lines, confusion and missed flights

NY Times - European leaders are standing firm on a security program that has led to long lines, confusion and missed flights at airports this summer, despite an urgent plea from the aviation industry to suspend it.

The Entry/Exit System, or E.E.S., requires members of the 29-country Schengen open-border area to collect biometrics like face photos and fingerprints from travelers upon arrival and to confirm their identities upon exit. Since the system took full effect in April, airports and airlines have reported widespread chaos — including hourslong security checkpoint lines and confusion over procedures — and have feared the headaches could worsen as peak travel season begins.

The problems led senior officials from the European aviation industry last week to ask the European Union to suspend the E.E.S. requirement this summer. The system is “undermining Europe’s reputation, European tourism and connectivity,” said the open letter to the president of the European Commission.

But on Tuesday, European Commission leaders officially rejected the request in a meeting with industry stakeholders, saying that the new system’s security advantages outweighed its inconveniences.