Missed your flight due to long border control queues?

European airports are warning passengers about long queues and waiting times at border control this summer. Due to the new Entry/Exit System, also known as EES, some travellers may face significant delays before they can enter or leave the Schengen Area.

If you are travelling internationally, it is important to arrive at the airport well in advance. If you miss your flight because you were delayed at border control, you are usually not entitled to compensation from the airline. The airline is not responsible for queues at passport control or border checks.

What is the new Entry/Exit System?

The Entry/Exit System is a new digital border control system used in European countries that are part of the Schengen Area. It replaces manual passport stamps with digital registration.

The system mainly applies to travellers from outside the EU who are entering or leaving the Schengen Area. This includes, for example, passengers from the United Kingdom, the United States and other non-EU countries. Their passport details, facial image and fingerprints may be registered as part of the border check.

Because these checks can take more time than a standard passport control, long queues may occur at airports, especially during busy travel periods.

No compensation if the airline is not responsible

If you miss your flight because you were stuck in a long queue at border control, the airline is usually not responsible. The airline has no control over border checks, staffing levels or delays caused by the new system.

Legally, this is comparable to being stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. As a passenger, you are responsible for arriving at the airport on time and taking possible delays into account.

That is why passengers are advised to check airport updates before travelling and to allow extra time, especially during the summer holiday period. This is even more important for international travellers who need to pass through additional border checks.