The European Union has delayed the full implementation of new border checks for travelers entering the Schengen area, following concerns about long queues and technical problems at airports. At least nine countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands, have postponed using the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU travelers to provide fingerprints and a facial scan each time they enter the Schengen area. The system was launched in October of last year and was expected to be fully operational by April. However, after summer travel disruptions, these countries have been granted more time to fix the system and avoid further chaos. The EES was designed to streamline border checks and enhance security by digitally recording the entry and exit of non-EU travelers. However, during the summer, travelers faced long lines at airports, with some waiting for hours due to delays in processing scans and software issues. To prevent this, the European Commission allowed a 150-day grace period for countries to temporarily suspend the checks. This period ended on 6 September, but the nine countries have reportedly informed the Commission that they will continue to delay enforcement until the system is fully functional. Airlines and airports have criticized the EU’s handling of the EES rollout. Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers, has called for an extension of the delay until at least April 2027, arguing that the system needs more time to be properly implemented. Ryanair’s chief operational officer described the rollout as a “shambles,” saying that warnings from airlines and border authorities about potential delays and long queues were ignored. He added that EU citizens, as well as other travelers, have been the ones suffering from the disruptions caused by the system’s poor implementation. The UK government acknowledged the challenges posed by the new border checks, which are managed by the EU. A spokesperson said the UK is working to support travelers by improving infrastructure at key border points such as Dover and investing in additional resources to handle increased traffic. The UK has also collaborated closely with French authorities to ensure sufficient staffing at borders during the summer. The government emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions for travelers and local communities while continuing to work with EU partners to address the ongoing issues with the EES.