The International Air Transport Association and Europe’s main air transport trade groups Airlines for Europe, the European Regions Airline Association, and Airports Council International welcomed the decision on Friday to delay the implementation of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES)—the smart border system for non-EU nationals entering the bloc. In a joint statement, the trade bodies called the EES a “game changer” for how the EU’s borders get managed, though they maintain that “several issues” need resolution to ensure a smooth rollout and operation of the system so that air passengers do not face disruptions.
The issues include concerns about whether the EU allocated enough trained staff and resources to the introduction of EES at the bloc’s external borders and to support the implementation of new procedures by airports and airlines. They urge efficient and better-coordinated communication with the industry, with international partners such as the U.S., and with EU-Lisa—the agency responsible for managing the system. The trade associations also have called for a clear public information campaign to alert third-country nationals to the new requirements.
More In Airlines
