Europe’s New EES Border System Triggers Hours-Long Airport Delays

European airports are facing up to five-hour waits due to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which fingerprints travelers and scans faces at border checks. The rollout overwhelmed many hubs, prompting calls from industry groups to suspend EES as peak travel season looms. While the European Commission has shown limited flexibility, delays persist; travelers—especially Americans—are urged to pre-register, avoid short layovers, and keep up with entry requirements, with airlines pressing for relief and guidance.