The European Union’s new digital border system is creating a perfect storm at airports across the continent, and travelers planning summer trips need to know what’s coming. The Entry/Exit System, or EES, launched with the goal of making European travel safer and more efficient, but airport leaders are now warning that it’s doing the opposite—causing hours-long queues and threatening to collapse entirely once peak summer travel hits. If you’re planning a European getaway, understanding what’s happening at the border could save you from missing your flight.

What’s Really Happening at Europe’s Borders

The EES is designed to register non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area, collecting biometric data like facial scans and fingerprints each time they cross borders. On paper, it sounds straightforward. In practice, it’s creating bottlenecks that have left passengers stranded and airlines scrambling. Stefan Schulte, who heads Europe’s airport trade body and runs Frankfurt Airport, recently pulled no punches when addressing EU officials in Prague. He told them to stop pretending everything is fine. Right now, he said, EES is what keeps airport CEOs across Europe awake at night.

Real Consequences for Real Travelers

The delays aren’t theoretical. In June, dozens of Ryanair passengers were stranded in Athens when their flight to London departed without them due to border control bottlenecks. That same month, travelers from Milan missed flights to Manchester because of passport control issues. Airlines are now telling customers to arrive three hours before flights instead of the traditional two hours—a shift that reflects genuine concern about system capacity. For British holidaymakers flying with Wizz Air, that extra hour could mean the difference between catching your connection and spending an unplanned night in an airport.

The Summer Crunch That’s Coming

Here’s where it gets really concerning: the EU currently permits temporary suspensions of EES through September, but that flexibility expires right when summer travel peaks. Schulte warned that the summer season extends well beyond early September, creating a genuine risk of complete system collapse once governments lose the ability to pause the system. The decision to suspend EES rests with individual governments rather than airports, which means delays grow longer while officials debate whether to flip the switch.

What You Need to Do Right Now

If you’re heading to Europe this summer, build extra buffer time into your travel plans. Aim to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would—three hours isn’t excessive given current conditions. Check with your airline about their specific recommendations, as some carriers are updating their guidance weekly. Keep in mind that the Schengen area covers most of Europe, so these delays could affect your journey at any major airport, not just your departure point.

The bottom line is this: the EES exists to make European travel safer, but it’s creating friction right now. Stay flexible, plan ahead, and don’t let border delays derail your European adventure. With a little extra time and patience, you’ll navigate these changes smoothly.