Airlines are calling for urgent measures to address the staff shortages and technological issues at border controls, warning of delays for passengers from outside the EU.

ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe have sent a letter to European Commissioner Magnus Brunner, highlighting a "chronic staff shortage" at airport border controls and unresolved technological issues that are causing significant delays for passengers from outside the EU.

ACI Europe's Director General, Olivier Jankovec, emphasized the discrepancy between the EU institutions' perception that the Entry/Exit System (EES) is functioning correctly and the reality, which shows delays and inconveniences for passengers.

The organizations warn that without immediate measures, the situation will worsen in the summer months when traffic at airports will double. They suggest suspending the electronic passport system until October and reverting to traditional checks to avoid delays during the summer season.