IATA, European Airports Warn Schengen Border System Could Bring Four-Hour Summer Waits

Airline and airport groups warned on February 11 that the European Union’s phased Entry/Exit System rollout could create severe delays for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area during the 2026 summer travel season. The warning was issued in Brussels by the International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International Europe and Airlines for Europe.

The organizations said travelers were already facing waits of up to two hours at airport border controls. They attributed the delays to understaffing, unresolved technology problems and limited use of a Frontex pre-registration app. At the time of the warning, the phased rollout required registration of 35% of third-country nationals entering the Schengen zone.

The groups said peak-season waits could reach four hours or more, but that figure is a forecast rather than a confirmed current average. They urged the European Commission to preserve the ability to suspend or relax the system through October 2026, saying that flexibility would help manage pressure during the busiest travel period.

The request now awaits a European Commission response. The announcement did not include a final Commission decision to suspend or modify the system.